More than 100,000 sign ASPCA 'No Pet Store Puppies' pledge

More than 100,000 consumers have taken the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' “No Pet Store Puppies” pledge to help fight puppy mill cruelty by refusing to shop at pet stores and on websites that sell puppies.
The national campaign, launched in July 2011, raises awareness about the connection between pet stores and puppy mills, with the goal of reducing the demand for puppy mill puppies by urging consumers not to purchase any pet products from a store or website that sells puppies. 
The pledge milestone was reached four days after the US Department of Agriculture proposed a new rule that would increase federal oversight of puppy mills and online dog sales. The new legislation would target these puppy mills, requiring that large-scale commercial breeders that sell puppies directly to consumers to be licensed and inspected by USDA.
“The success of our 'No Pet Store Puppies' campaign and this significant milestone send a clear message that the public does not support the inhumane breeding of dogs,” said Laurie Beacham, senior director of strategy & campaigns. “Consumer action is a critical element in the fight against puppy mills, and convincing consumers not to shop for anything at stores and on websites that sell puppies is a powerful tool in stopping the demand for puppy mill dogs.”
ASPCA's public awareness campaign also includes targeted online ads and outdoor billboards that were posted in cities across the US to raise awareness about the connection between pet stores and puppy mills and to encourage adoption of a pet from a local animal shelter or rescue organization.  

Pet Valu signs US Humane Society's Puppy Friendly Pet Store pledge

Pet Valu, a mid-Atlantic US petfood and supply chain, signed The Humane Society of the United States' Puppy Friendly Pet Store pledge.
This pledge means that the company commits to not sell puppies from puppy mills, but instead to support local pet adoption programs and provide literature that helps customers learn how to locate a puppy from a reputable source. Store owners who sign The HSUS’ pledge receive a placard proclaiming, “We love puppies; that’s why we don’t sell them,” to display in the store, as well as free materials for their customers about how to adopt a puppy or find a responsible breeder.
“Pet Valu is proud to be a part of the Puppy Friendly Pet Stores Program, which reinforces our commitment to providing our customers with quality pet supplies while looking out for the best interest of animals,” said Connie Lowney of Pet Valu. “We believe that this will be a successful business model in our 63 locations, and are hopeful that our commitment will inspire others to support responsible pet acquisition.”
A list of participating "Puppy Friendly" pet stores is available from www.humanesociety.org/puppystores.

HSUS endorses stores that don’t sell puppies

The Humane Society of the United States has endorsed 45 Chicago, Illinois, USA, pet stores that have pledged not to carry puppies in hopes of funneling more customers to those retailers, rewarding them for steering clear of “puppy mills,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
"We want to encourage (the shops) by saying thank you, and to encourage people to support those stores," said Jordan Matyas, Illinois director for the Humane Society.

Durbin: Humane Senator of the Year

Illinois Democrat Sen. Richard J. Durbin's efforts to crack down on puppy mills and improve petfood safety earned him the title of 2008 Humane Senator of the Year, according to an article by The Washington Times.
The Humane Society of the United States announced March 25 the recognition of Durbin as part of its annual Humane Legislator Awards.