In this fourth segment of our seven-part series, we take an in-depth look at puppy trafficking—a troubling trend in which some rescue organizations collect large numbers of puppies and resell them across state lines. While marketed as “rescue,” these operations are often profit-driven and, in some cases, involve stolen pets being sold under false pretenses. This segment explores how the line between ethical rescue and commercial enterprise can blur, particularly when oversight is lacking and financial incentives take priority over animal welfare. As with previous segments, our presentation traces the evolution of humane relocation and its unintended consequences, connecting historical...Read More

In this second segment of our seven-part series, we take a data-driven look at the scope of humane relocation efforts across the country. Which states are exporting the most dogs? Which are importing them? And how do these movements impact euthanasia rates in source communities? Our presentation follows a clear path: beginning with the origins of large-scale relocation, we explore the practice’s growing prevalence and its unintended consequences. As we move through the data, we also lay the groundwork for understanding how well-intentioned efforts have contributed to the rise of puppy trafficking and the commercialization of rescue - what we...Read More