
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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California Court of Appeals Affirms SPCAs Can Enforce State Animal Cruelty Laws
The California Court of Appeals affirmed a ruling by a lower court recognizing Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty (SPCA) organizations’ ability to file lawsuits against entities that violate existing animal protection laws.June 9, 2022 Press Release -
Madrid Court Awards Joint Custody of a Dog in a Pioneering Ruling
In a pioneering ruling issued in October 2021, a Madrid court awarded joint custody of a dog, explicitly recognizing the emotional bond between the plaintiff and the animal.April 5, 2022 Animal Law Update -
Short Film Released with Actress Anjelica Huston in Support of States Adopting Courtroom Animal Advocate Programs
Huston narrates the Animal Legal Defense Fund film demonstrating the impact legal advocates can have on behalf of animal cruelty victimsFebruary 15, 2022 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 cruel puppy mills.