The fight against puppy mills goes on

Due to the efforts of Best Friends Animal Society and its "Puppy-Store-Free L.A." campaign, the posh Beverly Center in Los Angeles has indicated their intent to sever their relationship with Pet Love, a pet store that has sold thousands of animals from irresponsible breeders and puppy mills for 15 years.

The impending closure of a high end pet store in Los Angeles is a signal to the rest of the nation that Los Angeles consumers are becoming aware of the evils of puppy mills and how they fuel the pet overpopulation problem in the United States.

Pet Love was the subject of an undercover investigation that revealed illegal and improper usage of medication on the puppies for sale in the store, and was cited by Los Angeles Animal Control for similar violations.

Hundreds of Beverly Center patrons and employees have signed a petition expressing their concerns about Pet Love's practices of selling sick dogs. Many of these died within a week after purchase. There have been complaints and lawsuits against the store as a result of the store's responses to those incidences.

Best Friends tried to convince the owners of Pet Love to convert to a humane business model by providing the public with rescued animals for adoption. But they refused. Best Friends also offered to help in the transition, including the acquisition of animals. Not only did the Pet Love owners turn this down, they threatened Best Friends with litigation.

Bye bye Pet Love. Keep up the good work Best Friends!