
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
-
Argentine Court Recognizes Visitation Agreement for Dogs in Divorce Settlement
This decision is significant because it handled the care of companion animals within a divorce framework with recognition they are sentient beings who are members of a multispecies family, rather than mere property.August 24, 2023 Animal Law Update -
Massachusetts: Ask your legislators to support Ollie’s Law
Ask your legislators to support An Act to Increase Kennel Safety, or Ollie’s Law (S. 1309/H. 2019) -
Washington Supreme Court Urged to Consider the True Value of Humans’ Relationship with Companion Animals
Animal Legal Defense Fund’s amicus brief urges the court to review a case regarding the negligent death of a dog and the resulting emotional damagesJune 5, 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.