STOP PUPPY MILLS IN THE USA

     We the undersigned want to bring your attention to the horrific cruelty endured by breeding dogs at puppy mills. The few laws in place are inadequate at best, and mostly fall on the shoulders of local SPCA organizations. We know that you can enforce stricter regulations on puppy mill breeders. We ask you to stand with us and take action against the inhumane treatment of these defenseless animals.   

     We would like to bring your attention to the conditions that these dogs are forced to endure. These animals live grouped together in small chicken wire cages their entire life with barely enough room to lay down. These cages are stacked three to five high where their waste falls on the dogs below. Some "buildings" consist of as little as four post with a tarp overhead. This is not a temperature controlled environment to say the least.   

     The fortunate few that are rescued are found with no water. The food supplied to these animals are the scraps from dog food production floors with sawdust as a filler. The food causes the dogs teeth to rot and fall out. These dogs are found with matted fur covering their body causing them to not be able to open their eyes. The puppy mills are infested with fleas, tics, and mites. Imagine a six year old dog never having had a bath. Since these dogs nails are never clipped, they often get caught in the cages and rip painfully from their paws.    

     These are animals that have never felt the grass under their feet. They are only taken out of their cages for breeding purposes. What little medical treatment they receive is reserved only for the puppies. The adult dogs have worms, mites, lime disease and so much more. One sad fact is that some of these health issues are passed on to the puppies that you see in your local pet stores. These puppies are cute, but many have severe heart and health issues that are not detected until you and your children have already bonded with your new pet.   

     Not only do these dogs suffer from life long gross neglect, many are beaten or hunted for sport. The animals almost never survive this horrible "sport" due to malnutrition, inability to walk or stand, pain, health issues, or just plain fear. This is usually done when an animal stops producing or has too many sick or dead puppies. The sick puppies are drown, have their head smashed in, or are just left for dead. The mothers are beaten, shot, or drown as well. This is torture at its worst and must be completely outlawed.     

     I am asking you to stand with us and say "No puppy mills will be allowed in the United States!" A breeder should have no more then thirty breeding dogs. These breeders must pass a rigorous home inspection twice yearly and be subject to surprise inspections at any time. All animals must get yearly vet visits and be kept on a heart worm and flea protection regimen at all times. They must be housed in a temperature controlled buildings and must have an area where they can run and exercise each day. Quality food and water must be available to these dogs at all times. They must be kept in hard bottomed cages with abundant room to move around. The Breeder must supply proper bedding. Cages must be cleaned daily and the bedding must be changed weekly. All puppies must receive a complete puppy well check before they are able to be sold. The dogs are not to have puppies before the age of two and after the age of six. Any signs of abuse will cause the breeder to lose their license and all dogs will be confiscated. Last but not least all animals should be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian.   

     Now that you are aware of the dire situation, we hope that you will stand with us agents puppy mills. Thank you for taking the time to read this petition and we look forward to hearing your quick response. Thank you.