Every year in our Horrible Hundred report, we expose 100 problem puppy and kitten mills across the U.S. These high-volume breeding facilities treat the breeding dogs and cats as little more than machines to churn out litters for profit. The coldness and cruelty of the industry is never easy to face, but exposing the realities of these facilities is essential to eradicating the puppy mill industry and creating a more humane world for companion animals.
I’m pleased that so far this year, our reports have helped to spark change and save nearly 500 animals from Horrible Hundred dealers, many of which closed for good.
Here are some of the highlights:
- In Virginia, our Animal Rescue Team helped rescue more than 100 cats from a breeding operation that had been in our 2023 Horrible Hundred report. Inspectors had found sick and injured dogs and cats on the property again and again. While the dogs had been placed for adoption before we got there, we were pleased to help rescue 110 cats. Many of them have been placed in new homes already, while others are still available for adoption through our shelter partners. We are grateful that the Virginia attorney general’s office and local law enforcement officials took swift action in this case.