Challenging a California Puppy Mill for Violating State and Local Laws
CARU Society for the Prevention v. Anthony
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the owner of California Carolina Dogs for operating an illegal puppy mill.
Next Step
Decision affirms SPCAs can enforce state animal protection laws
In 2017, the Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against the owner of California Carolina Dogs for operating an illegal puppy mill.
California Carolina Dogs is owned and operated in a residential neighborhood in Vallejo, California. The property, which has held as many as 50 dogs according to animal control reports, has generated numerous complaints of strong odors, flies, dog bites, unsanitary breeding conditions, and dogs running at large.
Our lawsuit, filed in Superior Court for the State of California in Solano County, asks the court to shut down the puppy mill because California Carolina Dogs breeds dogs in violation of state law and local ordinances. The Animal Legal Defense Fund brought the lawsuit under California Corporations Code section 10404 which gives standing to corporations for the prevention of cruelty to animals to enjoin the violation of laws relating to animals.
In May 2018, the court granted the Animal Legal Defense Fund a preliminary injunction that barred California Carolina Dogs from “owning, driving, keeping, possessing or having charge or custody of any dog until a final determination is reached” in the case.
Dogs in puppy mills live in crowded, unsanitary conditions and rarely receive even basic veterinary care.
Recent News
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While a positive step forward, Florida’s new law could be strengthened by being more inclusive, covering private rentals as well as public housing.May 14, 2024 Animal Law Update -
Indiana: Protect Animals from Puppy and Kitten Mill Cruelty
The Indiana legislature recently passed a harmful bill, H.B. 1412, which would take away cities’ and counties’ right to protect puppies and kittens with local retail pet sale bans.February 27, 2024 Action Alert -
Court Rules Craigslist Puppy Sellers Illegally Neglected Animals, Defrauded Families
Following a week-long trial in 2022, a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge issued a decision finding that Craigslist puppy traffickers committed animal neglect and fraud by selling fatally sick dogs to families.November 10, 2023 Press Release
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end this cruel industry.