Suffolk County, NY - April 24, 2014 - A puppy mill is a commercially operated dog breeding facility with emphasis on profit, not the welfare of the animal. They are known for animal neglect, housing dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions with no veterinary care, protection from the elements, or socialization. Guardians of Rescue, a nationwide animal rescue group, will be speaking out to encourage New York legislators to pass stricter laws for dog breeders and pet stores.

“It is imperative that residents of Suffolk County join us in support of harsher restrictions on puppy mills and pet sellers,” says Dori Scofield, vice president of Guardians of Rescue. “We have the opportunity to begin putting an end to puppy mill cruelty and save hundreds of animals from sickness, disease and an unhealthy environment. We need to speak out for the innocent animals who cannot speak for themselves.”

On Monday, April 29, 2014, Guardians of Rescue will be in Riverhead, NY, speaking on behalf on these innocent animals as Legislator, Jay Schneiderman, puts forth Resolution No. 1047-2014, a bill to protect companion animals being sold in the pet stores of Suffolk County, NY. The public meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Riverhead Legislative Auditorium, Suffolk County Legislature, Evans K. Griffing Building, 300 Center Drive, Riverhead, NY. A ban of the retail sale of dogs and cats altogether is currently prohibited by New York state law.  However, Guardians of Rescue hopes stricter regulations, such as restricting puppy mills that violate USDA standards, and requiring them to disclose important information such as where the puppies come from and details about living conditions will help put an end to puppy mill abuse.

“The state of New York is looking at Suffolk County to set more humane standards through legislation,” says Scofield. “We need to set a strong precedent to encourage the rest of the country to follow suit. Our hope is that one day puppy mills will be extinct. As always, we urge the public not to support puppy mills by buying pets online or in stores. Hundreds of innocent and loving animals end up in shelters every day. Be a hero, and adopt your next pet from a shelter,” she says.

Guardians of Rescue provides assistance to animals out on the streets, helping to rescue them, provide medical care, food and shelter, and find foster home placement. To learn more, or to make a donation to support the Guardians of Rescue, log onto www.guardiansofrescue.org.