ASPCA Asks White House to Address Puppy Mill Cruelty

October 7, 2011

In late September, the Obama Administration launched an online program named “We the People” on WhiteHouse.gov. We the People is a new way for Americans to create and sign petitions calling on the Obama Administration to take action on important issues. Any petition that garners 5,000 digital signatures within 30 days of its posting will be reviewed by a standing group of White House officials, who will ensure that it is sent to the appropriate policy experts and issue an official response by email to all signatories.

On September 23, the ASPCA seized on this important opportunity. In conjunction with The Humane Society of the United States, we posted a petition asking the President to take executive action to crack down on puppy mills. Specifically, we are asking that the White House work with the USDA to close the current legal loophole that allows large-scale, commercial breeders who sell puppies online and directly to the public to avoid regulation under the Animal Welfare Act.

We are thrilled to announce that our puppy mill petition has already surpassed 11,000 signatures—more than twice the number needed to guarantee an official response. It is currently the most popular animal welfare petition on the site. However, we would love to see our petition become one of the most popular overall, which would help ensure that the Administration takes this issue seriously. Please be their voice: If you are against puppy mill cruelty, sign our White House petition today!