To the Editor:

Rhode Island House Speaker Nick Mattiello has been a steadfast champion for pets and people.

Speaker Mattiello has consistently supported legislation to protect cats and dogs from cruelty and abuse. Last year he fervently supported the new Rhode Island Puppy Mill law (H.6168) to protect animals and consumers alike from the cruel and deceptive practices associated with puppy mills.

A puppy mill is an inhumane, high-volume dog breeding facility that churns out puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of the animals. Dogs from puppy mills frequently are sick and unsocialized. Mother dogs spend their entire lives in cramped cages where they often are forced to sleep in their own waste. When the mother and father dogs can no longer breed, they usually are abandoned or killed.

Puppy mills often are located in Midwestern states, and puppies are trucked into New England to be sold. Instead of sourcing kittens or puppies from these out-of-state commercial breeders, consumers are now directed toward humane sources like animal shelters, rescues, or responsible local breeders in Rhode Island.

Recognizing all that he has done to stand up for animals, the Humane Society of the United States has given Speaker Mattiello the Humane Legislator of the Year award for 3 years. Constituents who care about protecting animals from cruelty and abuse should applaud House Speaker Nick Mattiello for his continued leadership on these issues.

Brad Pyle

Washington, D.C.

The author is political director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund.