Dating back to the early 1900's, commercial dog breeding facilities, more widely known as puppy mills, have been used in our country. Due to crop failures after World War two, these puppies were bred by farmers to serve as cash crops. Ever since then, dogs have been forced to breed over and over again, while living under the harsh conditions, in these breeding facilities. The dogs that live in the puppy mills do not get clean water to drink, or fresh food. Their cages are not cleaned, and the wire of the cages causes severe injuries and diseases, including cuts so deep that they puncture the internal organs, as well as tetanus. Some can not even walk properly after years of being held in these rusted, wire cages. The puppies they breed are forced to live under the same conditions as their mothers, and most of them are born with life- threatening illnesses and disabilities. These puppies are then sold to consumers, through pet stores,such as the widely- known Petland, and websites, such as eBay. The consumers are not aware of the problems the puppies face, or even where the puppies came from. Later they are forced to deal with problems that they did not pay for: the dogs’ illnesses and defects. Nearly 100% of dogs have parasites at the time they are purchased, due to the improper care of commercial dog- breeding facilities. This ill- treatment of dogs should be stopped.

    We started this petition, because we strive to give dogs everywhere the shelter and care that they deserve. To achieve our goal, we ask the federal government to require an inspection to be held annually, as opposed to the vague requirement in the Animal Welfare Act that an inspection be held regularly. The requirements, as well, should call for a solid floor, each cage be three times the dogs length from nose to tail in each direction, cages be ridden of feces and any other debris, and must have fresh water and food easily available. Veterinary visits should be held annually on top of this. If the owner fails to meet these requirements, their breeding permit should be revoked.

   With your help, we can make sure that the U.S. Government will pass a law that will make the requirements of keeping a breeding facility stricter. Please sign this petition, and join us in the fight for winning dogs everywhere the humane treatment that they deserve. All the dogs living in puppy mills are counting on your help.