Watch Oprah April 4th!

Don't miss The Oprah Winfrey Show airing Friday, April 4, when investigative reporter Lisa Ling will explore the horrors of puppy mills. The episode also features a conversation with HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle. Find out when Oprah is on in your area, and see what the puppy mill industry doesn't want you to know. Take Action Sign our pledge to help  stop the inhumane treatment of dogs.

Dogs and dog lovers across the nation have a new best friend: Oprah Winfrey. 

The Friday, April 4 episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will examine the puppy mill industry and how it impacts animals and animal care organizations.

The episode features a look at the horrors of puppy mills by investigative reporter Lisa Ling, special correspondent for the "Oprah" show, and Bill Smith from MainLine Animal Rescue.

Tens of millions of viewers will get a first-hand look at some of the deplorable practices employed to mass-produce purebred puppies and designer dogs.

The program will include undercover footage of puppy mills, a shelter tour, and a conversation with HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle.

It will round out with advice on spaying and neutering from Winfrey's own veterinarian.

Winfrey—always a great lover of dogs—will dedicate the show to her recently deceased dog, Sophie.

What's a Puppy Mill?

Puppy mills are abusive, factory-style breeding operations that produce puppies in large numbers and sell them to unsuspecting consumers.

©The HSUS

A dog's life at a Virginia puppy mill.

Inhumane and designed to maximize profits, they disregard the physical, social and emotional health of the dogs in their facilities.

Because of these conditions, puppy mill puppies are more likely to have physical and behavioral problems than dogs from good, compassionate breeders. Puppy mill puppies are sold to unsuspecting consumers through pet stores, over the Internet, even through newspaper classified ads.

Adopt A Dog

If you're searching for a canine friend, your local animal shelter or rescue group is a great place to start. (It's also the spot to find your next cat, rabbit, or bird!)

An estimated one out of every four dogs in a shelter is purebred. Most of these shelter animals have already been spayed or neutered and have received all their vaccinations and veterinary checkups.

The HSUS also offers tips for finding a compassionate breeder if you choose to buy a dog.

View all of our resources and help stop puppy mills at www.humanesociety.org/stoppuppymills.