Millions of dogs are suffering every day right here in the United States. Irresponsible dog breeders are propagating animals for profit and keeping them in horrific conditions until sold. It is known that selfish, cruel, and irresponsible dog breeders even kill puppies that are not attractive or can not be sold. The animals that do survive are shipped on trucks like cargo with little food, water, or ventilation. They are then put on display in yet another cage usually inside of a pet store.  When they finally find a home many are sick and need veterinary care. This disgusting and barely spoken about practice is legal through breeders who own puppy mills, a prison for puppies. By definition a puppy mill is an establishment that breeds puppies for sale,  on an intensive basis and in conditions regarded as inhumane.

      It is important that you understand we are not suggesting that dog breeders cease to exist. Responsible dog breeders who love and care for their puppies do not lock up pupppies in cages. Instead they allow them to live free with the mother for the first few weeks of life inside of the breeder’s home and they always care about the fate of the puppies. We cannot deny people the right to purchase a puppy, but we can absolutely implement rigid regulations for responsible dog breeders. At the same time, we can completely eliminate irresponsible dog breeders, who are exclusively in the business for profit and treat puppies like commodities. 

As a result, the limited availability of puppies will also entice people to rescue a dog from a shelter. Also saving the lives of more dogs. 

We must create a federal law that puts an end to puppy mills and simultaneously makes it illegal to sell dogs in pet stores, by introducing a bill through Congress. When signing this petition you are asking Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly to introduce the bill that makes puppy mills and the sale of dogs in pet stores illegal in the United States. We are reaching out to Gerry Connolly because he has a history of advocating for animals. This is a bipartisan matter, your political views are not relevant to this issue. Innocent puppies are being tortured and killed. We believe that Gerry Connolly can help pass this bill and save Millions of animals. Please sign and share this petition if you love puppies.