Laws & Rules

Which Photo Is from a USDA-Licensed Breeder? 

Dog in cage Dog with matted fur Dog with tongue out Dog in cage

All of them!

That's right! All of these photographs were taken during routine inspections at USDA-licensed breeding facilities. While the conditions in these operations are often cruel and inhumane, they are commonplace, and some are even perfectly legal.

Learn about laws, licensing standards and how you can support legislation to help puppy mill dogs. 
Pending Federal Legislation: Goldie’s Act (H.R. 6100)
Goldie's Act, named after a Golden Retriever who died in a horrific puppy mill in Iowa, would require the USDA to fulfill its obligation to protect dogs in puppy mills. Find out how you can support this legislation and prevent other puppy mill dogs from meeting Goldie's fate.
Federal Licensing & USDA Standards
Pet sellers know that shoppers find comfort in the term “USDA-licensed breeder,” but this label isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Learn how federal law fails breeding dogs and view our gallery of USDA inspection photos that show how puppy mill dogs are really treated.
State Laws
What is “cruelty”—and for that matter, what is a “breeder”? The answers vary from state to state. Something that’s illegal in one state may be perfectly acceptable somewhere else. What are the laws where you live?

Latest News

Emaciated golden retriever
September 29, 2022
Matt’s Blog: Honor Puppy Mill Awareness Month by Taking Meaningful Action Against Cruel Commercial Breeders
a puppy in a dirty kennel at a puppy mill
August 1, 2022
What Happens When the Federal Government Finds Dogs Living Like This?
a white dog looking at the camera being held by a woman in purple t-shirt
July 21, 2022
U.S. House Passes FY2023 Spending Package, Including Critical Resources for Animals
a puppy at a puppy mill
July 19, 2022
USDA Fails Dogs Yet Again, Allowing Breeders to Break the Law
July 14, 2022
Honoring Goldie on No Pet Store Puppies Day

Goldie with Take Action button

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