HSUS Releases 2020 Puppy Mill Report

The Humane Society of the United States recently published the 2020 edition of its annual “Horrible Hundred” puppy mill report.  This report documents problematic puppy breeding and/or puppy brokerage operations in the US.

You can download and read a pdf copy of the full report HERE.  The report highlights problem puppy facilities, in an alphabetical listing of US states.  Here are a few key findings from the latest Horrible Hundred report:

• Missouri has had the largest number of puppy sellers on the list for 8 years in a row.
• Some breeders in Missouri are being sued by the state attorney general, but still offer puppies for sale.
• Ohio, Kansas, and Wisconsin follow Missouri for most puppy mills (but the report notes that other states, particularly in the South, have weaker inspection laws and could have much higher numbers).
• One third of puppy mills in the report have some connection to the AKC.
• 53 of the puppy mills say they are licensed by the USDA to sell to pet stores.
• The current Coronavirus pandemic could be leading to an animal welfare crisis, as the USDA has limited the number of facility inspections for health and safety reasons.

The HSUS reminds people that the best way to end the puppy mill industry is to adopt your next pet from a local animal shelter and avoid buying purebred puppies from retail pet stores and online sellers.