*Passionate about this issue? We are looking for a passionate person to take ownership of this petition. Click here to learn more*

In March, the USDA proposed a new rule that would eliminate some of the worst practices at puppy mills.

Puppy mills keep dogs in inhumane and crowded conditions all too often. They spend their lives in cramped conditions with no love or attention that they need, and because of this they are often sick.

Their sicknesses have even been transferred to humans, and a recent outbreak of an antibiotic resistant disease in humans was connected to puppy mills.

Right now, there are tens of thousands of breeding dogs trapped in mills.

The proposed USDA rule would require federally licensed dog breeders to obtain an annual veterinarian exam for each dog, as well as vaccinations to prevent deadly diseases. It would require dog breeders to provide fresh water for the dogs, and would prevent certain breeders from getting a new license if they have been found to keep unacceptable conditions.

This is the bare minimum and it needs to be implemented. Urge the USDA to implement this new rule and protect dogs in puppy mills.