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The HSUS Launches First National 'Puppy Mill' Telephone Tip Line
Press Release
Dogs Don’t Deserve Lifetime Confinement for the Sake of Profit
(Dec. 3, 2009) – To help end the misery associated with large-scale
dog breeding operations known as “puppy mills,” The Humane Society
of the United States has launched a national telephone tip line and
encourages callers to report suspected cruelty or unlawful activities
involving such breeding facilities.
The hotline, 1-877-MILL-TIP, is available to anyone with information
of a possible crime involving puppy mills – but particularly welcomes
information from those with “insider” knowledge, or from law
enforcement officials who might be aware of such operations.
“Puppy mills are a national scourge,” said Justin Scally, manager of
The HSUS’ Wilde Puppy Mill Task Force. “Hundreds of thousands of
dogs across the country are trapped in constant confinement their
entire lives, producing puppies to profit the puppy mill owner. This
tip line will be a vital tool to help free these dogs from a life of abuse.”
The Wilde Puppy Mill Task Force investigates puppy mills and works
with law enforcement, animal shelters and other agencies to stop
abuse and to ensure enforcement of existing laws. The task force
also provides expert guidance to local, state and federal agencies
in the prosecution of animal abusers as it relates to the operation
of puppy mills. Since its launch in June, the Task Force has assisted
in the rescue of more than 1,200 dogs and puppies from abusive
situations at puppy mills.
The announcement of the new national tip line comes during The
HSUS’ 3rd annual Puppy Mill Action Week, which is dedicated to
educating the public about how to find a new best friend without
supporting the abusive puppy mill industry. Puppy Mill Action Week
runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 6, at the start of the peak holiday puppy
buying season.
The Wilde Puppy Mill Task Force is named in honor of Kenneth and
Lillian Wilde, who donated a portion of their estate to The HSUS to
help dogs. Thanks to the Wildes, The HSUS was able to expand the
organization’s capacity to rescue more animals from the inhumane
puppy mill industry and to raise national awareness of the pain and
tragedy that can lurk behind the inviting visage of a young puppy
for unwary buyers.
Puppy Mill Facts
· Dogs at puppy mills typically receive little to no medical care,
live in squalid conditions with no exercise, socialization or human
interaction, and are confined inside cramped wire cages for life.
Breeding dogs at puppy mills must endure constant breeding cycles.
· Dogs from puppy mills are sold in pet stores, online and directly
to consumers with little to no regard for the dog’s health, genetic history
or future welfare. Consumers should never buy a puppy from a pet
store or Internet site; instead visit an animal shelter, breed rescue group,
or visit a breeder’s home and meet the puppy’s parents.
· The HSUS supports compassionate breeders who provide for their
dog’s physical and mental well-being. Quality breeders don’t sell puppies
through pet stores or over the Internet.
More about puppy mills: humanesociety.org/puppymills.
Media Contact: Loraine Miscavage: 301-258-1483;
lmiscavage@humanesociety.org
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal
protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of
every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting
for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and
hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty —
On the web at humanesociety.org.
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
humanesociety.org
Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - Dec. 3, 2009