Valley View News
- May 8, 2021
- 2 min read

The Breeder Humane Act Gets Support

LOS ANGELES, CA - Each year uninformed pet owners buy animals from backyard breeders. Social Compassion in Legislation’s mission is to save and protect animals. They’re working to pass the California bill, SB702 Breeder Humane act.

The president and founder of Social Compassion in Legislation, Judie Mancuso, says, “The goal of the bill is to set minimum standards on how the animals are raised and bred. Right now, in the state of California, there really are no minimum standards.”

Breeders without standards view animals as just another commodity. They sell them even if they’re malnourished and diseased. Many animals are far too young to be leaving their mothers. Unscrupulous breeders, breed for quantity not quality.

A puppy mill is an inhumane, commercial dog breeding facility in which the health of the dogs is disregarded in order to maintain a low overhead and maximize profits.

Mancuso also says, “They breed as often as they can. They keep them in substandard conditions because they don’t want to spend any money on them. It’s usually a cash transaction. It’s kind of like dealing drugs.”

Since 2017, California pet shops are only allowed to sell dogs, cats, and rabbits from animal shelters or rescue groups. This law cut off the demand for puppy mill animals and created an opportunity for animals at shelters to find homes.

In 1966, Congress passed the Animal Welfare Act, which outlines specific minimum standards of care for dogs, cats and some other kinds of animals bred for commercial resale.

Katie Cleary, the founder and president of Peace 4 Animals Non-Profit, says, “Up to now 500,000 animals get euthanized in shelters every year because they can’t find homes and shelters. So, this gives them a chance to be seen by people when they’re grabbing dog food, or a treat or a toy for their dog.”

Animal support groups are urging the public to help get the Breeder Human Act approved. They’re asking people to go to socialcompassioninlegislation.org and sign the petition.

The HSUS Puppy Mill Task Force tipline, 1-877-MILL-TIP, is available to anyone with information on a possible crime involving puppy mills—especially information from those with "insider" knowledge, or from law enforcement officials who might be aware of such operations. If people witnessed deplorable conditions in person and wish to file a complaint with the HSUS, They can call 1-877-MILL-TIP or report it. Also complaints can be filed with the USDA.

If consumers purchased a puppy and wish to report problems to the HSUS, They can complete the Pet Seller Complaint form. This form allows HSUS to track data accurately and ensures that it can get as much information as possible to help in the fight to stop puppy mills.