Humane Society Launches Campaign to Expose Puppy Mill Links to Pet Stores

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has launched a new advertising campaign targeting Petland, Inc., the last national pet store chain in America still selling puppies, aiming to raise public awareness about the connection between these stores and notorious puppy mills.

Investigation Reveals Disturbing Practices

Investigations by HSUS have repeatedly linked Petland to dismal puppy mills, where breeding dogs – mothers and fathers – are treated as profit-generating machines, repeatedly bred to produce litters. These dogs often live in cramped, wire cages, enduring cold and hunger, solely focused on producing puppies for the pet trade. Specifically, Petland has sourced puppies from a particularly egregious Iowa puppy mill operator recently found with 120 animal welfare violations, resulting in the discovery of deceased and severely emaciated dogs on the premises.

Puppies Often Suffer in Stores

HSUS reports that puppies sold in Petland stores are frequently sick and, tragically, sometimes die shortly after purchase or spread illness to customers. The organization’s investigations further revealed that Petland often delayed veterinary care for sick puppies, leading to preventable deaths. The campaign highlights the disturbing reality of these practices, urging consumers to connect the dots: “When you think Petland, think puppy mills.”

Campaign Aims to Change Consumer Behavior

The campaign, running through mid-December across broadcast TV, cable, print media, and social media, seeks to persuade potential shoppers to reconsider purchasing puppies from pet stores. HSUS emphasizes that taking a stand against puppy mills doesn’t preclude celebrating the holidays with a pet, noting that studies now suggest pets given as gifts are not more likely to be abandoned when the givers carefully select a suitable animal and the recipients are prepared.