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Puppy mills have been around for many decades. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) initiated the Stop Puppy Mills campaign to shut down puppy mills. With the help of donations, the HSUS is able to educate the public about puppy mills and inform compassionate citizens on how to help put these cruel institutions out of business.

Canines held captive at puppy mills for breeding purposes live in filthy conditions, are over bred, and basic needs like companionship and veterinary care are denied. After spending horrible lives caged up, older breeding dogs are either killed, deserted, or shipped off to other inhumane facilities. Owners of puppy mills are only concerned about making money not the welfare or rights of animals.

Even though, puppy mills are required to abide by the minimal regulations set forth in the Animal Welfare Act passed in 1996, they are often able to avoid inspections by the United States Department of Agriculture by selling to individuals and not obtaining the proper licenses. The HSUS is dedicated to increasing protection for dogs by continually "supporting legislative changes, conducting investigations and litigation, and promoting public awareness and education". Citizens are urged to contact animal control if they witness puppies or dogs living in deprived situations.

The HSUS suggests that people looking to add a canine to their family visit an animal shelter or pet rescue group. If looking for a specific breed, be sure to thoroughly investigate the breeder and his/her practices. Commercial breeding is not illegal in the United States but often not monitored closely enough resulting in deficient care for dogs. Research the breeder and disregard claims about "family raised" or "home raised" until you have seen the conditions for yourself. Consider adopting a dog because many are out there in need of a loving family. It may be tempting to "rescue" a puppy from a pet store or puppy mill, but avoid the urge because this will only keep puppy mills in business.

The economic principle of supply and demand means profits for puppy mills. However, if consumers stop buying puppies from these legal but cruel businesses, puppy mills will be forced to close down for financial reasons. Other ways, consumers can help stop puppy mills are become educated, post a Stop Puppy Mills banner on their websites, sponsor Stop Puppy Mills ads, request Dog Savers Kits, forward educational materials to friends, lobby for increased regulations to be added to the Animal Welfare Act, spread the word with Stop Puppy Mills accessories, expose puppy mills in their communities by writing a letters to the editors of local newspapers, drop off educational materials at vets' offices, and donate money to the HSUS campaign Stop Puppy Mills.

Recently, Oprah Winfrey announced that her show on puppy mills would be dedicated to her late cocker spaniel, Sophie. Lisa Ling conducted the investigation into puppy mills and will report her findings on Ms. Winfrey's show scheduled for April 4, 2008. Thank you Ms. Winfrey for speaking out against puppy mills. When respected celebrities bring important issues like puppy mills to the attention of viewers, consumers are able to make better-informed decisions and may also take a stand against injustices towards animals.

Learn more about this author, Mandy Donoghue.
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