Illinois families should never bring home a puppy only to discover that the animal was denied water, left untreated with infected wounds, or raised in filthy, overcrowded conditions. Yet the latest Horrible Hundred report documents exactly these kinds of violations at Illinois breeding facilities.

Federal inspectors found puppies without any water who, when finally given access, “climbed on top of each other” in desperation to drink. A shih tzu was discovered with multiple seeping wounds, green pus, and a pungent odor — and had not been taken to a veterinarian. Inspectors documented hundreds of flies covering kennel surfaces, repeat violations for dogs kept in enclosures that were too small, and a dog left for months without needed dental treatment. In one troubling case, a USDA license was cancelled only for a new license to be issued at the same address under a related family member.

These are not minor paperwork issues. They are warning signs of suffering — and of enforcement gaps that allow repeat violators to keep operating and selling puppies to unsuspecting families.

We call on Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and the chairs of the Illinois House and Senate agriculture committees to strengthen Illinois’ Animal Welfare Act and enforcement policies immediately.

Our core ask is clear: Illinois must require automatic state license suspension when breeders receive serious or repeat USDA Direct violations — especially for lack of water, untreated wounds, or unsafe housing — and prohibit reissuing licenses at the same address or to immediate family members without a full public review. The state must also increase unannounced inspections, strengthen penalties for repeat offenders, and create a transparent, publicly searchable record of breeder violations so families can make informed decisions.

Protecting dogs from preventable suffering and protecting families from buying sick puppies is critical. 

Sign if you agree Illinois must close the loopholes that allow repeat puppy mill cruelty to continue.