Progress should include more veterinary oversight, exercise and housing requirements to ensure humane treatment of dogs
WASHINGTON (Feb. 19, 2026)—Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund, are encouraged to see the U.S. Department of Agriculture take steps to improve the standards of care at USDA-regulated dog breeding facilities. In response to a recent announcement by USDA, the groups offer the following statements and background for media to use in their reporting on this issue.
John Goodwin, senior managing director, puppy mills and equine at Humane World for Animals:
“A national discussion about updating standards of care for dogs in commercial breeding facilities is especially welcome, and we are hopeful that the USDA’s announcement brings that about, because the truth is that even if every facility were 100% compliant with current standards, many dogs would still be living in subpar, miserable conditions. Mother dogs in puppy mills are often confined to small cages, bred until their bodies wear out, and denied adequate socialization and enrichment—these are conditions that no dog lover would ever consider humane. We would like to see the USDA use this moment to lead a comprehensive overhaul of the standards of care for these breeders, not just make minor tweaks. Whether federally regulated or overseen by state departments of agriculture, we must raise the baseline so that compliance truly means humane treatment.”
Naomi Maxwell, regulatory specialist at Humane World Action Fund:
“We’re encouraged to see the administration taking a more coordinated, multi-agency commitment to addressing puppy mill cruelty. Updating and strengthening standards of care for breeding dogs in federally licensed facilities, especially around veterinary oversight, as well as looking at the exercise and socialization needs of all dogs, is essential. Real progress will come from turning these commitments into actionable policy reforms that make humane treatment the rule, not the exception.”
Dr. Lorna Grande, program director at Humane Veterinary Medical Alliance, the veterinary division of Humane World for Animals:
“As a veterinarian, I know firsthand the consequences of what happens to dogs who are bred in conditions that prioritize profit over welfare. Breeding females should be examined by a licensed veterinarian before each breeding attempt, and dogs shouldn’t spend their lives in cages only six inches longer than their bodies with minimal to no daily exercise or enrichment. Our federal regulations must reflect scientifically grounded welfare standards that give every dog a chance at a healthy life.”
Background for media
Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund have decades of legal, investigative, legislative and enforcement expertise in dismantling the puppy mill industry from every angle. We have led efforts to expose cruelty through undercover investigations and large-scale rescue responses, used consumer protection laws to hold pet stores accountable in court, and helped pass and defend state and local laws. As of the end of 2025, eight states and more than 500 communities banned the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet stores.
At the federal level, we have championed reforms to strengthen standards of care under the Animal Welfare Act, increase USDA inspection funding, and advance bipartisan legislation such as the Puppy Protection Act and the Better CARE for Animals Act to improve enforcement and interagency coordination.
Our annual Horrible Hundred puppy mill report, which details violations or concerns at a sampling of 100 problem puppy mills across the country, educates the public about conditions in large breeding operations and has frequently inspired policy makers at the state, local and federal levels to help to take concrete steps to end the cruelty of puppy mills nationwide.
Media Contact: Liz Bartolomeo; 240-472-0475, ebartolomeo@humaneworld.org
