Issues Affecting Our Pets | The Humane Society of the United States

	Issues Affecting Our Pets

From the female dog who's bred repeatedly in a puppy mill to the racing greyhound who's killed because he wasn't fast enough, many companion animals never experience the security and comfort of a happy home. Learn about the many industries and activities that harm pets—and what you can do to help.

	Animal Abuse and Neglect We offer some advice on what to do about the common kinds of animal cruelty and neglect you may encounter. more

	Behind Closed Doors: The Horrors of Animal Hoarding Unlike collecting stamps or antiques, animal hoarding is no hobby. Hoarding is often a symptom of a more serious mental illness. Learn more about hoarding, and what you can do. more

	Chaining and Tethering Every day in America, countless dogs languish on chains in their owners' yards. Despite being inherently social animals, too many dogs are relegated to this empty life. Learn more about the problems associated with the practice of chaining dogs and what actions you can take to help chained dogs in your community. more

	Cloning of Pets: The HSUS Statement Learn why The Humane Society of the United States condemns the commercial cloning of companion animals. more

	Dogfighting Dogfighting continues to plague cities despite the fact that the blood sport is illegal in all 50 states. You may know how dogfighting affects your community, but find out how the vicious activity destroys, sometimes literally, the animals forced to fight in the pit. more

	Greyhound Racing: Running for Their Lives The inhumane spectacle of greyhound racing is on the way out, thanks to national anti-greyhound racing groups. Learn what you can do to ban this cruel sport. more

	HSUS Statement on Dangerous Dogs and Breed-Specific Legislation The Humane Society of the United States opposes Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) aimed at eradicating, or strictly regulating, dogs based solely on their breed for a number of reasons. more

	Hidden Hoarding: RAVS Team Makes a Grisly Discovery in Rural Tennessee RAVS and HSUS regional offices uncover hoarding case, and assist in rescuing 38 animals in rural Tennessee. more

	Hoarding Unlike collecting stamps or antiques, animal hoarding is no hobby. Hoarding is often a symptom of a more serious mental illness. Learn more about hoarding, and what you can do. more

	Insurance Companies Unfairly Target Specific Dog Breeds Insurance companies have begun denying coverage to homeowners simply because their dog is a specific breed, such as a Doberman pinscher or pit bull, regardless of the dog's history and temperament. more

	Microchips: Common Questions Microchipping is a great tool to help you reunite with a lost pet; however, it is not foolproof. The HSUS offers advice on how to keep your pet from being lost in the technology maze. more

	Our Mobile Veterinary Clinics Bring Medicine to the Masses In some of the poorest parts of the world, where animals are most in need, the HSUS's Rural Area Veterinary Clinic (RAVS) shows up to give pets a second chance. more

	Pet Overpopulation and Ownership Statistics Millions of dogs and cats are given up to shelters each year. Learn about the pet overpopulation crisis in the U.S. and about ways you can help solve the problem. more

	Pets as Prizes: Giving Away Animals Is a Gamble Giving animals away as prizes—-whether to the highest bidder or a lucky winner—-may seem like a great way to connect pets and people, but the practice often results in an unprepared owner who is unwilling or unable to care for their new charge. Help groups in your community realize that it’s better business to put pet welfare before profits. more

	Puppy Mills There are thousands of puppy mills in the United States. Learn how these breeding facilities can be detrimental to the animal and to the consumer. more

	Reptiles as Pets: Hazardous to Your Health—And Theirs An estimated 11 million pet reptiles—mostly turtles, lizards, and snakes—live in U.S. households. For humane, conservation, and public health and safety reasons, The HSUS recommends against reptiles being kept as pets. more

	U.S. Military Animal Policies in Iraq The HSUS and Humane Society International have called for a new approach to three aspects of the U.S. Department of Defense policies concerning animals in Iraq. more

	Veterinary Programs of The HSUS Learn more about the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and The HSUS's Rural Area Veterinary Services. more

	Wild Animals: Should They Be Kept as Pets? Responsible care for wild animals requires considerable expertise, specialized facilities, and total dedication to the animals' needs. more