How do you report a puppy mill breeder?

Question

Since I purchased my 2 puppies 2 years ago I have read dozens of complaints on line about the pet store and the breeder the acquire their dogs from. The breeder's name is Steve Kruse and everything I have read so far says that he runs a puppy mill in Iowa. If this is true and hundreds of people seem to know it, why hasn't his operation been shut down? What agency do you report puppy mill breeders to? The online complaints about Happiness is Pets and their primary breeder, Steve Kruse are numerous. Happiness is Pets is located in Naperville, Downers Grove, Orland Park, Arlington Heights, Warrenville and somewhere in Florida. All of these shops use Steve Kruse as their primary breeder. With this many shops selling thousands of dogs bred by Steve Kruse you would think that something would have been done to shut down all of these operations. What does it take to initiate a thorough investiagation of these pet shops and this breeder and put a stop to their businesses?

Answer 1

1. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau

2. Contact your local Animal Shelter.

3. Contact local organizations that advocate for animals.

4. Start petitions.

Answer 2

Hi To answer your last question, there is No difference between a registered breeder and a puppy mill. Anyone can be a registered breeder. There is however, a world of difference between a responsible breeder, and a registered breeder. One could write a book on the subject, but in short, a puppy mill breeder has little, if any concern for the well being of the dog. They would breed 2 shoes, if it were profitable. Sadly, the pups are often sick and prone to genetic health issues, from breeding dogs that would never be considered for breeding purposes by a responsible breeder. Pet stores are the main outlet, for the sale of puppies, created by puppy mills.

Answer 3

There is a group of us in our area that have tried to get 2 puppy millers shut down for years and nothing has worked. If this breeder is selling so many sick puppies and getting so many compalints, looks like they would be able to do something about it. When a breeder sells pups commercially, they have to be inspected by USDA, but that really doesn't mean much. I wish I could be more help. These places truly do need to be closed down.

Click on the link below to read some of the complaints against this man.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/results.asp?q1=ALL&q4=&q6=&q3=&q2=&q7=&searchtype=0&submit2=Search%21&q5=Steve+Kruse&submit=Search

Answer 4

You have to get in contact with your local humane society. It does not happen over night either. Just like people cannot come bursting into your house without reason no one can go into his. They need evidence that it is a puppy mill or that animals are in distress first before they can do anything about it. I know it sucks. Call your society and they can let you know what you can do.
The one thing you can do to help? Never ever buy a dog from a pet store or "backyard" breeder....

Answer 5

I do believe there is the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States).
Below is a link to a complaint form from their website:

http://files.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/puppy_mill_complaint_form.pdf.

Program Assistant for the HSUS:

Kathleen Summers
Program Assistant, Puppy Mills
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20037



Here is one that might help also:
www.StopPuppyMills.org

Answer 6

Another way is to start a petition in your city to ban the sale of commercially bred dogs/cats in pet stores. I live in South Florida and just spent 3 hours in the hot sun walking from door to door handing out flyers and speaking to people on this subject. We are having a city hall meeting tomorrow to try and pass an ordinance that will ban thesale of dogs and cats in pet stores, unless they are rescues, for example. I am horrified that there are commissioners who don't support the ban - naive me - it's so political, makes me ill.
There are several cities in FL and other states who have already passed this ordinance (or similar ones) so we just have to keep pushing to do the same. If these stores can't sell puppies (from mills), then they will have to sell rescue dogs, pet supplies, or go out of business (the latter is what they deserve).
Please send lots of positive vibes for our vote for tomorrow!!! Thank you

Answer 7

You'll have to contact the police, SPCA, or animal control in the city he's operating in- if you report the individual stores, they may be shut down or ordered to care for their puppies better, but they can't dictate who the stores buy dogs from. You have to go directly to the source, or it will do you no good.

Answer 8

what exactly is this steve kruse doing wrong? Is he abusing the animals or are the pet stores?

Answer 9

i have heard of several groups that bust up a puppy mill and seize all the dogs. but thats all i know about them.
if they are selling pups with akc papers you can report them to akc.
the only true way to shut them down is if everyone stops buying their animals

Answer 10

If his dogs are AKC you can get in touch you AKC and the will take care of the problem has you cna call your local Human Society had ask them, go on them web and ask. Call the BBC too.