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 2/5/2023
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.
Active Statewide Bills Pertaining to Puppy Mills and Pet Stores:
Kentucky
Active Federal Bills
Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788):
H.R. 1788 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. 1788 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?
We are 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!