PORTLAND — Humane society officials fired off an appeal. They stocked a truck and lined up kennels. Now all they need is a phone call.

The Oregon Humane Society and the Humane Society of the United States say they’re ready to hit the road to take dogs off the hands of breeders who are violating a law that took effect Jan. 1.

The Legislature decided to crack down on puppy mill owners who churn out puppies and keep them in despicable conditions to turn a profit on popular breeds.

The law bans owners from having more than 50 dogs that are at least 2 years old and are used primarily for breeding.

In hopes of ending puppy mills around the state, OHS and the Humane Society of the United States will fetch extra dogs and ensure they’re cared for and eventually adopted.

“We want breeders who may be affected by this new law to know that help is available,” said Scott Beckstead, senior Oregon director for the Humane Society of the United States.

The Humane Society of the United States, which is based in Washington, D.C., and promotes animal rights legislation nationwide, asked breeders to call 301-258-1506 for help.

The service is free and doesn’t involve law enforcement officials.

The group has a truck equipped with kennels that it can use to pick up a large number of dogs at one time and care for them temporarily.

The Oregon Humane Society will provide medical care, including spaying and neutering, and longer-term shelter while the dogs await adoption.

“We’re glad to assist in this,” said David Lytle, spokesman for the Oregon Humane Society. “We think it’s a great idea, and hopefully someone will come forward.”

So far, no one has.

Breeders who violate the law face a maximum of six months in jail, a $2,500 fine or both.

Last year, the Oregon Humane Society carried out several large-scale rescue operations. In March, it picked up about 150 dogs that were being kept on a dilapidated piece of property by Ted Tellefson, a notorious breeder in Burns.

Then last month it rescued about 110 rat terriers from an overwhelmed breeder in Tillamook who had dogs crowding her barn, yard and house. Lytle said her kitchen was covered in feces and that she had moved out of her house into a nearby trailer with two pet dogs.

And in May, nearly 400 dogs were rescued in Kennewick, Wash. The state of Washington also passed a ban on puppy mills last year.

Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Virginia approved laws against abusive puppy mills in 2008.

Oregon’s law is considered by animal rights groups to be one of the most comprehensive.

“I think the law will have an impact,” said Rep. Paul Holvey of Eugene, sponsor of the bill. “There are a lot of standards in the bill. It’s not just the number of dogs, but it’s also about the care and standards for keeping the dogs as well.”