CCHS Puppy Mills

Position Statement – buying pets from a retail store.

The Champaign County Humane Society is deeply disappointed that puppies are once again being sold at a retail store in our community. Because there are homeless pets awaiting adoption in virtually every community in central Illinois, the Champaign County Humane Society strongly advocates that persons wishing to acquire a pet consider adopting one from a shelter or other source of homeless animals.

Those who are committed to acquiring a specific breed of animal should locate a breed rescue group or responsible breeder. The Champaign County Humane Society does not support purchasing or otherwise acquiring animals from large-scale commercial breeders or the retail outlets they supply.

East central Illinois animal welfare groups have also joined together to voice their concerns about the new store selling puppies at Market Place Mall in Champaign. Click here to read their letter to mall management and the store’s proprietor.

What you can do

Voice your concerns to Market Place Mall managment through email or download a complaint form here.
Send an email to the owners/managers of Market Place Mall at General Growth Properties (GGP)
Write a letter to the editor of the Champaign Urbana News Gazette

Information on pet shop puppies

Fight Cruelty - Puppy Mills - (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Inside a Puppy Mill - (Humane Society of the United States)
Missouri Puppy Mills - (Border Collie Rescue)
Misery in Missouri - (Animal Welfare Act Watchdog)
The Hunte Corporation - (Dog Press)
The Hunte Corporation - Commercial Puppy Broker - (Prisoners of Greed)
Facts About Commercial Breeding Facilities (with links to examples) - {Prisoners of Greed)

What to the breeders say? - Click here for a developing list of links to AKC parent breed clubs and how they stand on pet shop puppies.

What do the major pet supply companies say about selling retail puppies?

"Since its inception in 1987, PetSmart has chosen not to sell cats or dogs in stores, but rather to encourage pet adoptions. What’s more, to help address pet overpopulation, PetSmart teams up with more than 3,400 local animal welfare organizations throughout North America and donates space in store for the PetSmart Charities’ Adoption Centers, helping to place homeless pets in loving homes."

"PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. and the PETCO Foundation have a long history of supporting animal welfare and adoptions, and they are now broadening that philosophy with the introduction of an all-inclusive "Think Adoption First" initiative in PETCO stores across the country. Specifically, with this effort, PETCO will recommend adoption before purchase of any animal."

If you're interested in a purebred dog

Visit your local animal shelter. Many purebred dogs are given up for adoption. You can fill out a form with the Champaign County Humane Society's Match-a-Pet Program and be notified if a specific breed becomes available for adoption at the shelter.
The Champaign Illinois Kennel Club can provide you with a list of responsible breeders of purebred dogs through it's Breeder Referal Service
Tips on buying a puppy from the Humane Society of the United States
Every AKC registered breed has one or more Rescue Groups formed to help purebred dogs in need of new homes. See a list of here. (American Kennel Club)
Adopting a Dog From a Breed Rescue Group - (Champaign County Humane Society)
Search for local breed clubs that may have information on litters available. (American Kennel Club)