Cruelty in Puppy Mills: A Call to Action
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has continuously failed to control the abusive puppy mill industry in Ohio and to hold the abusers accountable. Commercial dog breeders disregard the health of their dogs to keep costs low and maximize their profits. According to Humane World for Animals, most puppies sold in pet stores and through online retailers are born in puppy mills. Additionally, the 2025 Horrible Hundred report ranks Ohio as the second worst state in the nation regarding the care of dogs in puppy mills, with 16 of the nation's worst puppy mills located in our state.
Protecting Puppies with S.B. 232
That’s where Ohio Senate Bill 232 comes into play. This critical piece of legislation would revise the law governing high-volume dog breeders to protect the wellbeing of puppies. S.B. 232 would clarify that only trained veterinary professionals may perform surgery on dogs. It would also expand the definition of a commercial dog breeder to enforce these higher standards for puppies. Lastly, S.B. 232 would return the ODA to conducting unannounced inspections. This is especially important to prevent the dumping of sick puppies on rescues and illuminate the true conditions these animals are subjected to.
Recently, OAA Executive Director Vicki Deisner was interviewed regarding the importance of stricter puppy mill laws. “We need to have it changed back to unannounced inspections,” Deisner said in this article (https://fox8.com/news/i-team/push-to-expose-secrets-in-puppy-mills-i-team/) by Fox 8 News. “The truth would come out. This community in Ohio, Ohioans care about these animals, know this is not the way to do things.”
Use Your Voice
Help us spread the word about this important piece of legislation! Contact your Ohio Senators immediately and urge them to cosponsor S.B. 232 using the pre-written action alert on our website.
Share this Action Alert on social media to raise awareness, educate, and encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to contact their Ohio Senators about this important bill!
