Puppy mills are now illegal in Ontario after the province recently passed legislation banning them, but critics say the new law will do little to curb the problem.

The law, called the Preventing Unethical Puppy Sales Act, or PUPS Act, was beefed up in committee meetings after animal advocates levelled scathing criticism against the initial proposed legislation.

Those found guilty of operating puppy mills in the province will now be subject to a minimum $10,000 penalty and $25,000 for the death of a dog. Those penalties can be multiplied for each dog, potentially creating massive fines.