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ASPCA Launches Campaign Hoping To Discourage Puppy Mill Purchases

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced a new campaign Friday aimed to stop people from purchasing pets from so-called puppy mills.

The ASPCA, in a news release, charges that operators of puppy mills run their facilities in often unsanitary, overcrowded and cruel conditions, "where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs."

Cori Menkin of the ASPCA spoke with 1010 WINS on Friday and said that the organization is hoping to "impact the industry" by asking consumers to not shop at any pet stores that sell puppies.

"This campaign isn't just about where to get a puppy. It's about all of the pet-owning public and what they can do to help. So it's about not buying any of your pet supplies at pet stores that sell puppies," Menkin said.

The advocacy organization also commissioned a poll that found 80 percent of people would not purchase a puppy if they knew it came from a puppy mill.

"Our poll results indicated that nobody's making the connection between pet stores and puppy mills. And if that continues the demand for those puppies is going to continue," Menkin said.

"The more we can hit at the demand and decrease the demand for their 'product,' the more impact we can have on the market. If people stop buying the puppies, the puppy mills will stop churning them out," said Menkin.

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