UNDERBELLY

Underbelly is an investigative documentary focused on the mass production system at the heart of the $3.1B U.S. dog breeding industry. Led by an unflinching undercover investigator, the film delivers a compelling, character-driven story designed to drive awareness and inspire change in consumer behavior.

Every year hundreds of thousands of dogs are euthanized in the U.S., while millions more are bred in U.S. puppy mills.

This is documentary in-progress needs your help! We're seeking resources, supporters, collaborators, and advocates. If you’re interested in contributing or want to support the film, please reach out through the contact form below or donate directly to the film fund here.

SUMMARY

Undercover private investigator Pete Paxton is our guide through the troubling world of commercial dog breeding. Through Paxton's harrowing work, we expose the reality of puppy mills and the disturbing connection between for-profit breeding and rampant euthanasia. Showcasing the efforts of advocates across the nation, the film follows their tireless work to take on a deep-rooted industry and reduce animal suffering and euthanasia. Ultimately, the film shows that the power to solve these profound issues lies in the hands of American consumers.

We shadow Paxton as he probes suspected puppy mills, risking personal safety to collect evidence and disrupt his targets’ operations. His investigations uncover an industry that shrouds itself in deception and seeks profit without regard for the millions of dogs suffering within it. These investigations also reveal a real-life hero dedicating his life to a cause at great personal sacrifice.

At the Humane Society in Washington DC, we explore coordinated efforts to outlaw the commercial sale of puppies and kittens, linking these bans to significant reductions in euthanasia rates. We travel to Wichita, KS, where despite huge numbers of strays and overrun shelters, pet stores continue to introduce new animals into the community, many secretly sourced from the country's worst puppy mills. Here, amidst activists striving for a local ban, we witness fierce resistance from a national pet-store chain, its lobbyists and associates.

In Austin, TX, a small rescue operation scans the euthanasia list each week, working with other advocates to save as many animals as they can through their foster program. As long as millions of puppies continue to be bred every year, their efforts will always fall short of solving the problem. The film concludes with a family's heartwarming journey of working with this rescue to adopt a new dog. As they embrace their new family member, we witness how this single act not only saves a life and works to counter commercial breeding, but it’s also the best decision for anyone looking to bring a dog into their family. If only a fraction of consumers looking for dogs were to choose adoption, shelters would be empty within the space of a year.