WASHINGTON (AP) _ Many stores of the Ohio-based Petland Inc. pet store chain support puppy mills while telling customers the dogs come only from good breeders, the Humane Society of the United States said Thursday.



The animal protection group made the charge at a Washington, D.C. news conference, saying it conducted an 8-month investigation of the chain headquartered in Chillicothe in southwest Ohio.



Petland's response posted Thursday on its Web site said the company does not support substandard breeding facilities and provides each store with humane care guidelines developed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The statement also said reports such as the one by the Humane Society surface every year around the holiday season.



"HSUS has a history of publicizing false information in an effort to raise money," Petland said.



A message seeking additional comment was left Thursday at Petland headquarters.