End Puppy Mills

Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations that sell through stores, swap meets and other venues. The majority of sales has migrated to the Internet out of plain view – puppies are peddled through venues such as eBay and Craigslist. Protected by privacy and property access laws, facilities that mass produce puppies in Hawaii also remain hidden from public view – often on agriculture-designated lands that are exempt from a law that limits dog ownership to a maximum of 10.

Animals often become the victims of consumer demand. Wherever possible, educate friends and family to adopt, don't shop. Listen to this!

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Mills



Waimanalo Puppy Mill
In February 2011, 153 dogs were found in neglected and filthy conditions and were rescued from a commercial dog-breeding business. Bradley International pled no contest to 153 counts of animal cruelty at the December 2011 criminal trial.

Charges were filed against both the puppy mill manager who directly oversaw daily care of the animals and the corporation that profited. The Humane Society believes the company officers should be held responsible and prevented from owning dogs in the future. With a father and son as corporate officers and a daughter who owned the breeding operation’s property, as well as two pet shops, it seems clear that this is a family business. The puppy mill manager fled Hawaii before he could be charged. The corporation claims it has gone out of business.

In a July 2011 Honolulu Star-Advertiser report, defense attorney Jason Burks said, "Bradley International has shut down its Waimanalo operation and no longer has any animals, but wants its dogs returned." He would not say what the corporation plans to do with the dogs if it succeeds in getting them awarded through the forfeiture hearing. "I'm not prepared to answer that at this point," Burks said. "But without the animals, Bradley International essentially doesn't have any income." Burks said he did not know if any of the corporation's officers have other sources of income.

Fortunately the court awarded all of the animals to the Society under the existing forfeiture law and the Society adopted the animals to caring families. This represents the first victory involving a case in which the forfeiture law was successful and resulted in animals being awarded to the Society prior to the outcome of a criminal trial. The judge cited extensive photographic and video evidence amongst other records and expert and eye-witness testimony. In addition, the court ruled that the unborn puppies at the time of rescue were also subject to the forfeiture ruling and awarded all the dogs and puppies to the Humane Society.

Special thanks to our veterinary partners who donated their services to assist. Together, these clinics performed nearly 100 sterilizations.

Cost for this rescue has exceeded $400,000 and was funded by donations.

In January 2012, Hawaii News Now reported on a Big Island operation with connections to the Waimanalo puppy mill.


On February 15, 2012, Judge Lo sentenced Bradley International, which has been dissolved, to the following: 
  • for restitution in the amount of $370,000 to the Humane Society
  • $306,000 (max amount of $2,000 per count) in fines payable to the State
  • $8,500 to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, which goes to a state fund 
The corporation was dissolved after the forfeiture ruling in December 2011, which means the Humane Society will not benefit from the sentence in any way.
 
There have been questions about why the Luke family officers were not charged in addition to the corporation. As you know the puppy mill manager David Becker, also an officer of the corporate defendant, fled the state before he could be served with the criminal complaint.  Criminal charges may only be filed based upon a high standard of proof.  Based upon the evidence collected as of this point, the Prosecutor’s office made the decision not to file against Vernon Luke or the other corporate officer, Shannon Luke.
 
The Humane Society implored the courts that the officers be prevented from ownership, profit and possession of animals. Read Humane Society CEO Pam Burns' testimony. This was not granted.
 
Hawaii News Now and KHON covered the sentencing.


2012 Bills

SB2492- Relating to Animal Cruelty (Companion Bill HB2737)
Current status: Passed with amendments but no notification of the next hearing.
Senator Hee's bill would require those with 10 or more unsterilized dogs over six months old to meet care standards for the dogs and their offspring including veterinary care, record keeping and exercise requirements. This bill would prohibit ownership of more than 30 unsterilized dogs over 6 months old.
 
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