Bailing Out Benji’s research on the puppy mill and pet store industry has been crucial in passing many local and state bills across the country.
While we are not a lobbying organization, our role is to help educate citizens and policy makers about these issues through our extensive research and activate our grassroots volunteers and supporters in order to help them create lasting change for animals. We partner with many national and local 501c3s and 501c4s in order to make as big of a difference as possible.
The quickest way to know about puppy mill news and action alerts in your state is to sign up for our mailing list below.
Below you will find a list of public ordinances or bills that are being worked on by advocates and organizations across the country.
*It is important to note that you should only ever contact your own council members or legislators. Policy makers want to hear from their own constituents about these issues and not advocates from across the country *
This page was updated on 3/13/2023
Local Humane Ordinances:
These are only the very public ordinances that are being worked on. Many more are currently being worked on behind the scenes.
Berkley, Michigan-
The city council has been asked to consider passing a humane ordinance. Please let the council know that as a constituent, you support the passage of a humane pet store ordinance! You can contact them directly by sending an email to council@berkleymich.net
Hammond, Indiana-
The city council has been asked to consider passing a humane ordinance. Please let the council know that as a constituent, you support the passage of a humane pet store ordinance! You can contact them directly here.
Louisville, Kentucky-
The city council has been asked to consider passing a humane ordinance. Please let the council know that as a constituent, you support the passage of a humane pet store ordinance! You can contact them directly here.
Round Rock, Texas-
The city council has been asked to consider passing a humane ordinance. Please let the council know that as a constituent, you support the passage of a humane pet store ordinance! You can contact them directly here.
Wichita, Kansas-
The city council has been asked to consider passing a humane ordinance. Please let the council know that as a constituent, you support the passage of a humane pet store ordinance! You can contact them directly here.
Active Statewide Bills Pertaining to Puppy Mills and Pet Stores:
Arkansas-
OPPOSE: HB 1591. This bill is commonly known as a ‘pet store preemption bill’ and would take away the rights of cities and counties to pass humane pet store ordinances.
If you are an Arkansas resident, please contact the House Committee on City, County, and Local Affairs and ask them to oppose this bill.
Illinois-
SUPPORT: SB 1230. SB 1230 has been filed which will end the licensing scheme of a handful of puppy selling pet stores who obtained “dog dealer” licenses to skirt the Humane Pet Store Law that went into effect last year. The bill will also crack down on sham rescues and the nationwide puppy laundering scheme.
Indiana-
OPPOSE: SB 134 . This bill is commonly known as a ‘pet store preemption bill’ and would take away the rights of cities and counties to pass humane pet store ordinances.
If you are an Indiana resident, please contact your state representative today by using this link.
Michigan–
Michigan lawmakers are interested in looking at a humane pet store bill that would stop puppy mills from selling puppies through pet stores.
You can contact your state policy makers here to tell them that you are in support of this type of policy!
Minnesota-
SUPPORT: HF 1276 and SF 1317. These bills would prohibit retail pet store from offering to sell or selling dogs or cats.
If you are a Minnesota resident, please contact your State Representative and Senator here and ask them to support these bills.
Missouri-
OPPOSE: HB 995. This bill is commonly known as a ‘pet store preemption bill’ and would take away the rights of cities and counties to pass humane pet store ordinances.
If you are a Missouri resident, please contact your state Representative today by using this link.
Oregon:
SUPPORT: HB 2915. Prohibits retail pet store from offering to sell or selling dogs or cats.
If you are an Oregon resident, show your support of HB 2915 by contacting your Oregon State Representative here.
Pennsylvania
SUPPORT: SB 234 Total ban on dog, cat and rabbit sales in pet stores Sponsors: Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, Sen. Lisa M. Boscola (21 Senate co-sponsors).
If you are a Pennsylvania Resident, please contact your Senator here.
Texas
SUPPORT: HB 870: This bill would prevent pet stores from selling puppy mill puppies and kittens.
If you are a Texas Resident, please contact your state Representative here.
OPPOSE: SB 149. This bill is commonly known as a ‘pet store preemption bill’ and would take away the rights of cities and counties to pass humane pet store ordinances.
If you are a Texas resident, please contact the committee here.
Washington:
SUPPORT: HB 1424. Concerning consumer protection with respect to the sale and adoption of dogs and cats. This bill is has passed out of committee and is moving to the House floor.
If you are a Washington resident, please contact your state representative here.
Active Federal Bills
Goldie’s Act (H.R. 6100):
H.R. 6100 Overview: would eliminate those APHIS-created loopholes and explicitly require USDA to:
-Conduct more frequent and meaningful inspections,
-Confiscate animals that are suffering,
-Impose penalties for violations, and
-Share inspection information in a timely manner with local law enforcement.
H.R. 6100 Status: Seeking Federal co-sponsors now. Contact your US Representatives and US Senators here and politely urge them to co-sponsor this important legislation.
The Puppy Protection Act (HR 2840 / S 1385):
HR 2840 / S 1385 Overview: These bills will require stronger standards of care including:
– Increase the enclosure sizes from the allowed 6in of extra space
– Require solid flooring instead of wire-bottom floors
– Require exercise for the dogs
– Require that they are fed twice per day
– Implement a socialization plan
– Require increased veterinary care
– And require protection from extreme temperatures.
This bill will also impose breeding limits per animal and ensure that breeders are making reasonable efforts to rehome retired dogs instead of discarding or killing them. Currently, none of this is required under the USDA.
HR 2840 / S 1385 Status: Seeking Federal co-sponsors now. Contact your US Representatives and US Senators here and politely urge them to co-sponsor this important legislation.
Are you interested in learning more about how to fight the puppy mill industry?
Bailing Out Benji has started a Podcast and Youtube show where we go in-depth about this industry. We also have specific episodes about passing a humane ordinance in your town and how to get involved with lobbying on the local, state and federal level. New episodes are released on Wednesdays.
We are also always looking for motivated volunteers to help us educate about puppy mills and advocate for change. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to us!