Saw this article and forgot to post it so am doing so now:  http://blog.aspca.org/content/puppy-mill-bill-cracks-down-online-dog-sales

The puppy protection and safety bill would do something that we have needed as a country for a long time: will require all breeders who sell directly to the public (sight unseen) to be licensed and inspected by the USDA.

This is a big deal and a huge step in the right direction. Currently, when people go online to find a dog they will see tons of pay per click ads and many ultimately will fall in love with a pup they see on the screen and order one. The issue is that many breeders who are willing to sell dogs online without meeting the end owner are not dog lovers and reputable breeders. Imagine you have a dog and that you do not care who you sell the dog to-hard to imagine that you care very much about the dog if you would send them anywhere without spending time getting to know the family.

Many of these dogs are kept in miserable conditions and have tons of genetic problems due to the inbreeding. Well-meaning individuals who order these dogs face health and behavioral problems all the while supporting unscrupulous breeders.

Regulations such as this are clearly a step in the right direction.