Laws Concerning Puppy Mills

There is a set of laws that concerns puppy mills. However, these laws provide many loopholes. There is an act called the Animal Welfare Act, which is overseen by the USDA, that protects dogs sold through stores. However, this act fails to protect dogs sold through the Internet which is another common place for puppy mill dogs to be sold. Unfortunately, violations of this act regularly go unpunished.  An act, called, The 2008 Puppy Uniform Protection Statute that would protect all dogs and require that all dogs receive regular exercise was introduced in 2008. Unfortunately, the act was not passed. The act was reintroduced in 2010 and was again denied. On March 1st, 2011 that same act was reintroduced again and is waiting to either be accepted or denied. If you would like to help by contacting your local legislators please click here. State laws varying as far as laws concerning puppy mills and some state are doing a lot more than others to help the cause. If you are interested in the laws in your state please click here to be directed to a chart. Some states also have "lemon laws" that protect the consumer from losing money when they buy a puppy that has a sickness the consumer was unaware. If you are curious what the "lemon laws" are for your state feel free to click here. The ASPCA has been very actively involved with helping to create laws concerning puppy mills and deserves recognition. One of the most important tools to help with a cause is knowledge so if you have the time please look over the resources provided above.