Puppy Mills Posing as Rescue Groups

by Kim Alboum

Animal welfare advocates across the country are taking advantage of the great fall weather to hold events to raise public awareness about the cruelty of puppy mills. Most people have no clue that, according to estimates from The Humane Society of the United States, there are at least 10,000 puppy mills in the United States.

Perhaps the most encouraging news is that Prop B, the Missouri ballot measure to stop puppy mills, will be on the November 2 ballot. Missourians have the unique ability to stop puppy mill abuses by voting YES! on Prop B. This measure would establish common sense standards for the proper care of dogs. This is an exciting time in the fight against puppy mills. If you are interested in joining the cause, check out the YESonPropB kick-off meetings, which start on September 13.

Even with all of the positive news in the battle against puppy mills, there has been an increase in puppy mills posing as “rescues.” For a better understanding of this growing problem, I spoke with Justin Scally, the manager of The HSUS’ Puppy Mills Task Force.

KA: Justin, give us some background on puppy mills posing as rescue groups.

JS: Since its inception, The HSUS Puppy Mills Task Force has investigated virtually hundreds of complaints of inhumane breeding operations across the country. But when faced with the investigation of deceptive animal abusers, you frequently discover the tactics that they use to get around the law and continue their businesses. And unfortunately, it appears that the ‘business’ of running puppy mills is no exception.

When you go to a ‘rescue’ to ‘adopt’ a new pet, you would expect that they are all true rescues, saved from certain death or from abuse and neglect. However, in recent months The HSUS has received a staggering number of complaints alleging that puppy mill operators are fronting themselves to the public as “rescue groups” in order to sell their dogs to the unknowing public.

KA: How do the puppy millers get away with this deception?

JS: They will talk about puppy mills and how the puppy/dog was rescued from a horrific environment. The consumer thinks that they are rescuing but they actually just purchased a puppy from the puppy miller or a broker. The brokers could be selling dogs from several puppy mills and posing as the rescue.

There are plenty of wonderful rescues but The HSUS wants consumers to know that these deceptive puppy millers and brokers are using these tactics to continue their business of making money by selling puppies.

KA: Puppy millers seem to be masquerading as rescues because of increased public awareness of puppy mills. Do you agree?

JS: Yes, I do. Increased awareness of the cruelty associated with puppy mills, legislation and inspections have all created a need for puppy millers and brokers to use other means to continue doing business. Consumers are more observant and cautious but as soon as they hear “rescue” they become more comfortable. This is where the deception comes in. Their guard is let down and they are not thinking about puppy mills..." More