MISSOURI, USA — For the 12th year in a row, Missouri is considered the worst in the nation for problematic puppy mills.
The state has topped the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) "Horrible Hundred" list since 2012, according to the organization's most recent report released Monday. The annual report focuses on 100 problematic puppy breeders, 23 of which are located in Missouri.
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HSUS labeled 16 of Missouri's problematic puppy breeders as "repeat offenders," meaning they have been featured in previous reports for either USDA or local violations. Some of the violations include puppies dying under unexplained circumstances, keeping dogs in decrepit conditions, and keeping animals with no access to clean water.
"Despite appalling conditions and suffering documented by inspectors in Missouri puppy mills, most of these breeders were not issued any significant penalties, meaning as far as the public is concerned, these operations are in good standing,” said Copy Atkinson, Missouri state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “This is exactly why we compile this sampling of issues at puppy mills—when state and USDA inspections aren’t sufficient to hold breeders accountable and protect dogs, we need to let the public know what sort of environment their puppies come from.”
The service asked Missourians to avoid contributing to the cycle of suffering by refusing to buy a puppy from pet stores, websites or from any breeder they have not met in person.
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