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Sign the petition to save puppies from abusive puppy mill breeders!

Add your name to the letter we'll be sending to the Arizona
governor to protest the continued use of illegal puppy mills

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Contact Information

The Honorable Doug Ducey, Governor of Arizona
State Capitol
1700 West Washington

Phoenix, AZ 85007

 

Dear Governor Ducey,

In 2016 you signed a bill that its proponents argued would adequately address the sale of puppies from abusive and neglectful “puppy mill” breeders, mainly in the Midwest. During that process, you noted that “animal welfare is an issue that is close to [your] heart and of great personal importance.” 

Unfortunately, in the five years since it was enacted, the law has proved unenforceable and it is being used as a shield by unscrupulous pet store owners.  Our organizations completed a laborious, joint investigation reported on in this Arizona Republic story that highlights the problems with the implementation of the law.

Many advocates are calling for S.B. 1248 to be scrapped. But we are not ready to abandon efforts to confront irresponsible puppy mills and think the law can be improved with a set of strategic amendments, such as:

•    Improve recordkeeping requirements

The proposed amendment would require pet store owners to proactively send a copy of a clean USDA license for each breeder to the state prior to the purchase and importation of any puppy. Without that proactive step by pet store owners, no trade can occur.  This also eliminates a subjective “good faith” defense from pet store owners that they “didn't know” the breeder had violations.  

•    Add enforcement capability

The proposed amendment would allow concerned citizens to seek injunctive relief against ongoing violations in court, thereby helping to ensure that these abusive puppy mill practices stop. Citizens can more easily complement the work of law enforcement by reviewing records directly and highlighting any problems.

•    Restore local government authority

The proposed amendment does away with this unjust preemption and restores the rights of cities and counties to enforce this law and pass their own, more stringent set of laws. This protects Arizonans if the USDA does not restore standard issuance of violations – as has happened during the past 4 years.  In those cases where Arizonans have no influence over the (in)actions of a federal agency, the cities may opt to further restrict the sale of puppy mill dogs. 

Back in 2016, advocates warned about the shortcomings with the law, including the lack of proactive oversight and enforcement that we've seen happen since the beginning.  There've been no fines, citations or effective enforcement - even when presented with clear and irrefutable evidence of violations of state law.

As you noted in 2016, animal cruelty is “disgusting and morally reprehensible.”  We agree, as do most Arizonans. There is simply no justification for allowing these reprehensible practices to continue in our state. The good news is, there is a fix that will go a long way to stopping the abuse of puppies and the trafficking of sick, unhealthy pets.  It is time to close the loopholes and fix the problem of inhumane and cruel puppy mill practices.  We hope to work with you toward that constructive goal. 


Sincerely,
 

Lain Kahlstrom                                                Nicole Galvan

                                        

Animal Wellness Action                                  Bailing Out Benji

 

 

Tina Meredith                                                   Mindi Callison

                    
Animal Wellness Action                                   Bailing Out Benji