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If you have information about a puppy mill, contact the task force at
1-877-MILL-TIP
Are you a law enforcement or animal control officer, animal welfare organization or rescue group who has knowledge of a problematic puppy mill? The Humane Society of the United States' toll-free puppy mill tip line, 1-877-MILL-TIP, was created to encourage anyone with any puppy mill information to contact The HSUS' Wilde Puppy Mill Task Force for help.
The task force works with law enforcement, animal shelters, and other agencies to investigate puppy mills, develop cases, execute raids/rescues on puppy mill operations, and ensure enforcement of any laws that are being broken.
We are available to provide expert guidance to local, state, and federal agencies in the prosecution of animal abusers in relation to the operation of puppy mills. The task force is currently comprised of HSUS staff members. How we respond to each case depends on the circumstances from which we receive the call for help. If a report comes to our organization from a concerned citizen, we may initiate an investigation and present that information to law enforcement for further action. In other circumstances, the local law enforcement authority requests assistance which may include animal rescue or case-building expertise. We often assist agencies with evidence collection on puppy mill rescue missions to ensure successful prosecution of animal abuse/neglect.
The Wilde Puppy Mill Task Force was created with a gift from the Kenneth and Lillian Wilde Estate. With the formation of the Wilde Puppy Mill Task Force, local rescue efforts will benefit from the resources and attention of a national campaign with a shared goal: to put a stop to the abuses of puppy mills forever.
How The HSUS Wilde Puppy Mill Task Force Helps
Some examples of situations where task force has helped agencies and organizations with cases include:
Case Example 1 / Telephone Consultations
The Task Force received a call from local law enforcement that had the resources available to handle the animals in the alleged puppy mill, but they wanted guidance via telephone on how to best approach the case, they were seeking assistance in case-building tips, evidence documentation guidance and other "distance" assistance but didn't require a field response from The HSUS for help.
Case Example 2 / Field Response Assistance
One member of the Task Force responded to assist local law enforcement and humane agents on the ground to assist in case-building, guidance, support and assistance in coordinating local resources for evidence collection, housing and rescue of animals from puppy mills.
Case Example 3 / Full Response Deployment
A search and seizure warrant sparked by an investigation by The HSUS Puppy Mill Task Force resulted in the rescue of hundreds of animals. The HSUS deployed staff resources and equipment including setting up an emergency animal shelter for veterinary triage and temporary animal sheltering.
More Information and Resources
Through Animal Sheltering and humanesociety.org, The Humane Society of the United States offers a wealth of resources for combating puppy mills. Use the links below to navigate our materials.
Images: Anne K. Sterling/The HSUS. | 
