We are Girl Scout Troop 33283 and we are dedicated to make a change by using our Bronze Award project. We are outraged by the conditions in which puppy mill dogs live. We are using this petition to draw attention to the issue and hope to drive changes in laws regarding puppy mill dog treatment.

Puppy Mill Living Conditions

• Dogs that can no longer breed are inhumanely euthanized.
• Dogs are overbred, having several litters of puppies.
• Dogs receive limited time outside of their cages.
• Poor quality food causes tooth decay.
• Dogs do not receive enough food and water.
• Dogs with medical conditions often go without vet or dental care.
• Dogs contract diseases from cramped and filthy living quarters.
• Cages are often cramped with too many dogs.
• Dogs are often verbally and physically abused.

Ohio is the second largest state for puppy mills and 9 of state's puppy mills are on the Humane Society of the United State's Horrible 100 List. We demand the following changes to laws and regulations regarding puppy mills:

• Dogs that can no longer breed are put up for adoption instead of being euthanized.
• Limit the number of litters a dog is forced to produce.
• Require puppy mills to allow daily exercise outside of cages for all dogs.
• Require daily feeding of better quality food and fresh water to all dogs.
• Provide annual vet and dental check-ups
• Limit number of dogs confined to one cage that is cleaned at least monthly.
• Fining or jailing of individuals that abuse a dog.
• Require licensing of all puppy mills.
• Require monitoring of puppy mills.

Many dogs purchased at pet stores are from puppy mills. By buying puppies, people are supporting the mistreatment of puppy mill dogs without knowing it. Find out where your puppy comes from BEFORE you buy. Adoption is always preferable to shopping.

Sources:

• Humane Society of the United States
• Petland Chillicothe
• The Puppy Mill Project
• ASPCA