At Humane World for Animals in Massachusetts, “no two days look the same,” says state director Preyel Patel. “We’re working on nearly every priority issue filed here.”
Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office
Among them is the Humane Pet Shop Bill, which would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops. Patel ensures lawmakers have the full picture; some are surprised to learn that stores almost always get their animals from high-volume commercial breeders, many of which have documented Animal Welfare Act violations for sick or injured dogs. The goal of this legislation is to stop the pipeline of animals coming from these puppy mills and shift to a humane business model geared toward adoption partnerships.
“Because of states passing similar laws, we’ve seen the number of dogs trapped in USDA-licensed facilities drop,” Patel explains. “It’s proof that cutting off this sales channel really does shrink the puppy mill industry.”
Other bills in the running to become law this year include a factory-farmed fur sales ban, a ban on the trafficking of ivory and rhino horn and an act to promote humane cosmetics and other household products by limiting the use of animal testing. Patel says the most impactful way supporters can get involved is to contact their legislators.
“Having people who show up, who tell their stories, who bring their lived experience to the table matters more than most folks realize.”
Pete Marovich/For the HSUS
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Photo by Meredith Lee/The HSUS
All Animals writer helps our Animal Rescue Team save 250 dogs from cruel conditions at a puppy mill in Oklahoma.
Rachel Stern/Humane World for Animals
Volunteers share the rewards and challenges of fostering pets while finding ways to protect their own well-being.
HSI
Our fight to end puppy mill cruelty has reached a milestone well worth celebrating: 500 localities across the U.S. have banned the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet shops.
