Connect with us

Technology

Annual ASPCA Report on Puppy Mill Cruelty Reveals the USDA Failed to Protect Vulnerable Dogs

Published

2 years ago

on

In 2024, more than 800 animal welfare violations were documented at USDA licensed commercial dog breeding facilities but not a single dog was removed

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) released its annual report on puppy mill cruelty, which provides an analysis of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data on inspections, documented violations, and enforcement actions against Animal Welfare Act licensed facilities. Based on the ASPCA’s analysis of USDA data, federal inspectors documented over 800 instances where licensed dog dealers failed to meet the minimum standards of care in 2024, with violations that included failure to provide dogs with shelter, clean food and water or veterinary care. Forty-five percent of commercial dog dealers licensed in 2024 never had a compliance inspection, and of the ones that did receive inspections, one out of every five inspection uncovered failures.

“The USDA saw over 200,000 dogs in licensed commercial facilities in 2024, many of whom were suffering as a result of a dealer’s failure or unwillingness to provide appropriate care. Despite having the authority to issue penalties and warnings, revoke licenses and remove animals, the agency’s overwhelming response was to do nothing,” said Robert Hensley, Senior Counsel, ASPCA Legal Advocacy and Investigations. “No federal agency impacts animals more than the USDA, and with Brooke Rollins expected to be confirmed as the new Secretary of Agriculture soon, we hope she will take this opportunity to strengthen the agency’s Animal Welfare Act enforcement to ensure animals in federally licensed facilities get the protections they deserve.”

There are a quarter of a million dogs in USDA licensed commercial breeding facilities, and countless examples of facilities where dogs were suffering, yet in the vast majority of cases, the USDA took no action at all. Examples of the USDA’s failure to act in 2024, include:

Dogs without shelter, clean food and water, or veterinary careDogs who could not walk, dogs living in waste, dogs with painful wounds, and dogs suffering contagious and deadly diseasesDogs who died in barn fires, in fights with other dogs, from the cold, or with no explanation at all

To address the USDA’s ongoing failures, a bipartisan team of federal lawmakers led by U.S. Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Chris Smith (R-N.J.), and Zach Nunn (R-IA), re-introduced Goldie’s Act (H.R. 349) in January. Named after a Golden Retriever who suffered and died in an Iowa puppy mill, this bill would require the USDA to conduct more thorough inspections, impose penalties for violations, and report suspected cruelty to local law enforcement. Last year, Goldie’s Act was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and endorsed by the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, while also garnering support from nearly 150 animal welfare, law enforcement and shelter organizations.

To read the ASPCA’s report, please visit www.aspca.org/puppymills2024.

About the ASPCA® 
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit aspca.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/annual-aspca-report-on-puppy-mill-cruelty-reveals-the-usda-failed-to-protect-vulnerable-dogs-302376159.html

SOURCE ASPCA

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Technology

Sesame Software Named Fastest to Implement and Best Estimated ROI in G2’s Fall 2026 Reports, Previews Sesame Software 7.0

Published

32 minutes ago

on

October 27, 2026

By

Mid-market recognition from verified users caps a strong 2026 as the company announces the beta of its biggest platform release in years

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sesame Software, the Enterprise Data Management leader, today announced it has earned two mid-market badges in G2’s Fall 2026 reports, Fastest Implementation and Best Estimated ROI, based on verified user reviews. Heading into 2027, the company also previewed Sesame Software 7.0, its biggest platform release in years, with a beta opening this winter.

Recognized by G2 Users

The badges reflect what users say about Sesame Software: it’s up and running in minutes, needs no coding or data mapping, and pays for itself quickly. Teams use it to replicate data in near real time, build pipelines into warehouses like Snowflake, back up and archive records, and run verified migrations between systems.

“Customers don’t want a data project. They want their data where they need it, working as soon as possible,” said Joshua Demumbreum, Director of Product Operations, Sesame Software. “Hearing that back from users, in their own words, is a great way to close the year.”

Coming Soon: Sesame Software 7.0

What’s new in 7.0:

New interface: fewer clicks, easier navigation, clearer logs, and reporting on which records each job movesRebuilt engine: faster jobs, bigger data volumes and fewer failures, with data cleanup built into every jobRewritten connectors: simpler templates that behave the same across every connectorSimpler upkeep: Java 25 support, embedded Tomcat, and one-step upgrades

“After 30-plus years in enterprise data, 7.0 is our biggest step forward yet,” said Nathan Lugert, Senior Software Engineer, Sesame Software. “We can’t wait to get it into users’ hands.”

About Sesame Software

Sesame Software is the Enterprise Data Management leader, delivering data rapidly for enhanced reporting and analytics. Sesame Software’s data platform offers superior solutions for data warehousing, integration, as well as backup, and compliance to fit your business needs. Quickly connect to SaaS, on-premise, and cloud applications for accelerated insights. With over 30 years of expertise, Sesame Software helps businesses take back control of their data, access it from anywhere, ensure security and compliance, and unlock its power to grow.

Media Contact:
Kristen Besselsen, Director of Marketing
kristen.besselsen@sesamesoftware.com
www.sesamesoftware.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sesame-software-named-fastest-to-implement-and-best-estimated-roi-in-g2s-fall-2026-reports-previews-sesame-software-7-0–302920611.html

SOURCE Sesame Software

Continue Reading

Technology

RS earned three awards at the 2026 Moxa Global Distributor Summit

Published

32 minutes ago

on

October 27, 2026

By

The three awards recognize RS for demonstrable leadership in small to medium-sized business sales, energy sector sales, and regional sales.

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — RS, a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, earned three top awards at the 2026 Moxa Global Distributor Summit. Held in Nashville, Tennessee, September 8–11, this exclusive summit welcomed Moxa team members and partners from all over the world to “Collaborate to Lead” and discuss business and strategy updates, emerging industrial infrastructure trends, secure OT connectivity, and next-generation technologies like AI data centers and energy storage.

RS combines immediate access to Moxa products with deep technical expertise to solve complex operational challenges.

During the event, Moxa — a global leader in industrial networking, computing, and edge connectivity solutions — presented RS Americas with its:

2026 Top Global Sales Award for small to medium-sized businesses2026 Top Global Sales Award for energy businesses2026 Platinum Award for top sales in the Americas region

These awards recognize RS for outstanding sales achievements and exceptional partnership in three key market segments. Together, RS and Moxa deliver secure network deployments and reliable edge connectivity for industrial automation customers across the manufacturing, energy, and commercial sectors.

“Partnering with Moxa enables us to provide industrial customers with the high-performance networking technologies they need to advance their digital transformation and build resilient operations,” said Marie Dawson, Sr. Director of Strategic Supplier Engagement at RS. “Earning three top honors at the 2026 Moxa Global Distributor Summit validates our approach — combining immediate access to quality Moxa products with deep technical expertise to solve complex operational challenges and keep critical infrastructure running across industries.”

“RS continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership in advancing edge connectivity and network reliability across key industrial sectors,” said Mat Stewart, Vice President of Sales at Moxa. “We are proud to recognize the RS Americas team for their exceptional global and regional performance over the past year and look forward to building on this momentum together.”

To learn more about the RS portfolio of Moxa products and solutions, visit the embedded links.

PR Image Download:
RS Moxa Awards PR.jpg

PR Image Caption:
The RS Americas team accepted three top sales performance awards at the 2026 Moxa Global Distributor Summit. Pictured from left to right: Moxa Americas Vice President of Sales Mat Stewart, RS Americas Product Director Chris Cole, RS Americas Eastern Regional Sales Manager John Allen, RS Americas Senior Director of Strategic Supplier Engagement Marie Dawson, RS Americas Supplier Manager Evie Hooper, RS Americas Category Manager Megan Shaw, Moxa Americas Director of Channel Sales Pat Sweeney, RS Americas Product Portfolio Manager Gary Guess, and Moxa Americas President Chad Chesney.

About RS
RS is a high-service global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate efficiently and sustainably. We operate in 33 markets, stock over 875,000 industrial and specialist products, and list an additional five million relevant for our industrial customers, sourced from over 2,500 suppliers. This extensive range supports our customers across the industrial lifecycle of designing, building, and maintaining equipment and operations. We enhance their experience through a tailored service model, leveraging our efficient physical, digital, and process infrastructure sustainably. We combine a technically led and digitally enabled approach with an exceptional team of experts; ultimately, it’s our people that make the difference. Our purpose, making amazing happen for a better world, reflects our focus on delivering results for people, planet, and profit.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1, and in the year ended March 31, 2026, reported revenue of $3,871.07 million. For more information, please visit https://www.rsgroup.com/ or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).

About RS in the Americas
In the Americas region, RS stocks more than 250,000 industrial and electronic products from more than 700 trusted suppliers. These solutions cover categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active, and electromechanical components and include more than 90,000 high-quality, competitively priced RS PRO products. For more information, please visit https://us.rs-online.com or connect with us via social media on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Editorial Contact & Media Inquiries:
Laurie Tortorello, Director of People & Culture Communications, RS Americas
Laurie.Tortorello@rsgroup.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rs-earned-three-awards-at-the-2026-moxa-global-distributor-summit-302919298.html

SOURCE RS

Continue Reading

Technology

Union Home Mortgage Selected for USDA Rural Development Delegated Authority Pilot Program

Published

32 minutes ago

on

October 27, 2026

By

One of six lenders chosen nationwide to deliver an enhanced USDA loan experience for eligible rural borrowers

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Union Home Mortgage (UHM), a high-growth independent mortgage banking company with a world-class culture, announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to participate in the expanded Delegated Authority Lender Interactive Test Environment (LITE) Pilot Program for the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, further strengthening the company’s ability to serve homebuyers in rural communities across the country. UHM is one of six lenders nationwide chosen to join the initiative, which begins on December 1, 2026.

The pilot program grants participating lenders greater authority in the loan approval and closing process, allowing qualified borrowers to move through the mortgage journey more efficiently while maintaining rigorous underwriting and compliance standards. By reducing pre-closing approval requirements from USDA, the program is designed to accelerate loan processing timelines and expand homeownership opportunities for eligible families in rural communities across the country.

“We are honored to partner with USDA Rural Development to help rural borrowers access more opportunities to achieve the dream of homeownership, which is one of the most powerful ways to build financial stability and strengthen communities,” said Bill Cosgrove, CEO of Union Home Mortgage. “Being selected for this pilot program reflects our commitment to providing world-class service and innovative solutions to our borrowers, and we thank USDA for entrusting us with this increased responsibility.”

Through the USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program, eligible low- and moderate-income borrowers can access affordable financing options, including 100% financing for homes in qualifying rural areas. According to USDA Rural Development, homebuyers can buy existing, build new, or cover the cost of rehabilitating, improving, or relocating a home with a Single Family Housing loan guarantee. As a participant in the Delegated Authority LITE Pilot Program, UHM will be positioned to deliver these benefits with greater speed and efficiency while continuing to provide personalized guidance throughout the homebuying journey.

The selection further underscores UHM’s reputation as a trusted lending partner and aligns with the lender’s focus on responsible growth, operational excellence, and expanding access to affordable mortgage solutions in communities of all sizes.

For more information about Union Home Mortgage, visit www.uhm.com. For information about USDA Rural Development housing programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

About Union Home Mortgage
Union Home Mortgage Corp. (UHM) is a high-growth, full-service retail, wholesale, and consumer direct independent mortgage banking company with branches across the U.S. in 49 states + D.C. UHM is an in-house loan servicer offering world-class customer service through high touch communication & technology. A privately held family business, with a collaborative culture that stands out in the mortgage industry, UHM Partners (employees) are guided by a Code of Conduct that emphasizes respect, open communication, and accountability. All these principles translate to industry-leading customer retention and satisfaction. Some honors include being a Six-Year USA TODAY Top Workplace and a Twelve-Year Northeast Ohio Top Workplace. Learn more at www.uhm.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/union-home-mortgage-selected-for-usda-rural-development-delegated-authority-pilot-program-302920859.html

SOURCE Union Home Mortgage

Continue Reading

Trending