How to Rescue Dogs From Puppy Mills
The organization In Defense of Animals defines a puppy mill as a facility that "mass-produces puppies for sale to individuals or for pet stores throughout the country as well as to emerging foreign markets." The dogs from these operations are often ill cared for, sickly and subjected to inhumane practices. Horrific stories have emerged over the condition of these facilities and the lives of the animals who live in them. A number of organizations exist to spread awareness and stop the operation of puppy mills. By getting involved on a local or national level, you can help rescue dogs from puppy mills.
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Instructions
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Educate yourself about the laws surrounding dog breeding in your geographic region. Some states have legislation in place that works in favor of those seeking to stop a puppy mill.
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Research your state's laws regarding the seizure of abused or neglected animals. For example, Pennsylvania has a law making it illegal for a private citizen to seize an abused animal, while Ohio has one permitting it.
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Visit the puppy mill you wish to stop. Gather as much audio and video evidence as you can on your trip. The more information that is available, the easier it will be to rescue the dogs.
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Write to the press about the puppy mill. The more attention that is brought to the issue, the more likely it is that the authorities will react.
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Work in conjunction with your local animal control office, humane agent or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) officer. In most cases, you must have an officer present if you are physically taking the animals from the premises.
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Speak to your local police or sheriff's department about the puppy mill. Be prepared to give them detailed accounts and any photographic, video or audio evidence in your possession.
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Contact the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Care Division. This division is responsible for licensing wholesale breeding operations--those that breed dogs and sell them to other outlets. If the puppy mill is unlicensed, but selling dogs to pet stores, the USDA has the right to spearhead or be involved with the search, seizure and litigation surrounding the puppy mill.
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Raise awareness about puppy mills in your community. By raising awareness, you will reduce the demand for puppies from these establishments. Organize a protest or boycott of stores that buy pets from puppy mill breeders.
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Foster a puppy mill puppy that has been seized from the proprietor of an establishment. The number of dogs who can be rescued increases with the number of people who are able to help. Create a network of family and friends to serve as fosters.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep copies of any video, photographic or audio evidence for yourself. Files get lost and keeping a copy for yourself ensures that, even if the files are lost, at least one copy still exists.
Physically write down and date the events you witness. Remember to write down important details such as locations, names and times.
Never attempt to take a dog from a puppy mill illegally or by force. This endangers your personal safety and can carry a hefty jail sentence.
