Puppy Mills

Defend Animals Call-in Day is coming up on Wednesday, February 7, and thousands of advocates across the country will be picking up their phones to take action for animals. Be part of the movement! Join this national day of action to help defeat two disastrous federal bills that threaten to erase hundreds of animal protection laws, infringe on states’ rights, and ignore the will of voters. 

As the last 12 months flew by, ASPCA advocates throughout the country used their voices to protect farm animals, farmers, horses, companion animals and pet owners. As a result, 2023 was packed with major milestones, from the passage of stronger animal-protection laws to the defeat of bad measures that would have jeopardized the safety and well-being of animals.

Even after documenting 100 violations, USDA keeps Wilson Horse and Mule in business.

Two years ago, the ASPCA assisted the Animal Rescue League of Iowa with the rescue of more than 500 dogs living in terrible conditions at a federally licensed puppy mill.

Update January 3, 2024: After both the DOJ and the state of Virginia took action against the Mikirtichevs, the USDA finally revoked their license permanently in late December and fined them $25,000 for their atrocious violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

The operator of Even Keel Exotics agreed to surrender his USDA license and over 100 animals after the Department of Justice sued him in Federal Court. 

Zachery Keeler was an exotic animal dealer who sold thousands of hedgehogs, foxes, sugar gliders, prairie dogs, skunks and wild cats every year and hosted animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours of his Michigan facility, Even Keel Exotics.