Milot points out that existing resources are not geared towards stopping backyard breeding. For example, the Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund in Georgia distributes grants to rescue groups and shelters, organizations that are already required to spay or neuter their dogs. Instead, Milot proposes that state programs provide resources directly to private owners who are not already subject to the neuter requirement. Distributing resources to such individuals would effectively target needy communities with high rates of backyard breeding, she argues.
Similarly, state laws that require commercial pet breeders to obtain licenses ignore small-volume breeders. For example, a 2011 Nevada statute regulating dog breeding restricts puppy mill operators and other commercial breeders but exempts hobby breeders from coverage. Notably, a survey of states with licensing statutes found that almost one-third of the kennel inspectors reportedly made no effort to identify unlicensed breeders.
Unfortunately, existing breeding regulations are not up to the task of controlling the harms from backyard breeding, writes Professor Lisa Milot in her recent article. She proposes a multi-pronged approach to regulating backyard breeding.
Milot realizes that enforcement resources are limited. But she contends that by focusing exclusively on the harms associated with large-volume breeders, regulators have overlooked the damage generated by the most culpable breeders. Regulating small-volume breeders and directing resources to those in need would help expose wrongdoers and enhance public safety overall.
To improve these regulatory efforts, Milot proposes that local animal control departments coordinate enforcement mechanisms with state inspectors.
What is the HSUS doing about puppy mills?
The HSUS takes a stand against puppy mills on all possible levels, including supporting legislative changes, conducting investigations and litigation and promoting public awareness and education. The HSUS also works with local authorities when called upon to help shut down the most abusive puppy mills.
Its important to know that, in many cases, puppy mills are not illegal. In most states, a breeding kennel can legally keep dozens, even hundreds, of dogs in cages for their entire lives, as long as the dogs are given the basics of food, water and shelter. When documented cruelty exists, the HSUS assists in shutting down puppy mills with the cooperation of local law enforcement. But while the HSUS is opposed to puppy mills, the HSUS cannot shut down or raid legal businesses. The HSUS is not a government, law enforcement or regulatory agency.
The Stop Puppy Mills campaign for the Humane Society of the United States works to stop the sale of puppy mill puppies and improve standards of care for dogs in commercial breeding operations through both national and local policy efforts and by educating consumers on the issue. The campaign has made important strides toward significantly increasing standards of care for these dogs by getting laws passed in 35 states, as well as upgrades to the federal Animal Welfare Act. The HSUSs investigations of puppy mills and pet stores have led to multiple consumer lawsuits and have shut down hundreds of puppy mills and related pet stores nationwide. Through awareness events, we have educated millions about the problems in the large-scale commercial dog breeding industry.
We’ve rescued more than 11,000 dogs from more than 50 different puppy mills since 2006—dogs who are now in loving homes.
We have supported national bills such as the Puppy Protection Act, which, if passed, would overhaul the conditions for dogs at federally-licensed facilities. We have also successfully pushed for nationwide regulatory reform and stronger enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act. We’re also working to stop the sale of puppies from mills, thereby shrinking, and ultimately eliminating, the marketplace that keeps puppy mills in business. We have helped pass laws that prohibit the sale of puppies in pet stores in five states and over 400 localities, and counting.
Our corporate outreach efforts provide positive reinforcement for pet stores that choose to not sell puppies. We helped nearly two dozen pet stores stop selling puppy mill puppies and instead help find homes for dogs from shelters and rescues. This program has helped over 35,000 shelter dogs get adopted into loving families.
Animal Welfare Act History Digital Collection (AWAHDC) The AWAHDC contains U.S. Government publications related to the AWA that fall into three categories: legislative history, regulatory history, and USDA publications. Select the 4 resources to the right to read the original Act and some of its amendments.
Not sure where to start in our digital collection? Want a quick overview of the AWA and its amendments? Take a look at our interactive timeline! It highlights the amendments to the Act over time and shares a brief summary of how the law changed with each amendment. You can also view a static version of the timeline.
The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires that minimum standards of care and treatment be provided for certain animals bred for commercial sale; used in research, teaching, or testing; transported commercially; or exhibited to the public.
Not finding what youre looking for or need help searching within the AWA regulations? Use our Animal Welfare Act Quick Reference Guides.