The Humane Society of the United States has endorsed 45 Chicago, Illinois, USA, pet stores that have pledged not to carry puppies in hopes of funneling more customers to those retailers, rewarding them for steering clear of "puppy mills," according to the Chicago Tribune .

"We want to encourage (the shops) by saying thank you, and to encourage people to support those stores," said Jordan Matyas, Illinois director for the Humane Society.