Please Ask Governor Hogan to Sign HB 1662 to End Puppy Mills in Maryland!

HB 1662 – No More Puppy and Kitten Mills Act of 2018 has passed the Maryland General Assembly.

Let Governor Hogan know that we want to be the second state to enact legislation that stops the flow of puppies and kittens into Maryland from puppy mills.

Please contact Governor Larry Hogan and ask him to “SIGN HB 1662 – Business Regulation – Retail Pet Stores – No More Puppy and Kitten Mills Act of 2018.”

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Maryland families should not worry that their pets may be physically unhealthy or emotionally distressed from puppy mills. The Maryland General Assembly passed legislation to curb this flow of commercially-bred dogs and cats. The pet stores sell their dogs and cats from facilities that are either unlicensed or have multiple and repeated violations of the minimal standards required under Federal law. Unfortunately, many Maryland stores have failed to comply with the new disclosure requirements. They continue to get their animals from large-scale puppy mills.

 This bill would prevent this harmful sale of dogs and cats at pet stores. Instead, it would encourage pet stores to partner with shelter and rescue groups to host pet adoption events at their stores. This change would allow pet stores to build their customer base, by selling pet food, pet supplies, and other services. This model has proven successful for many Maryland pet stores that do not sell pets, as well as many national chains, such as Pet Smart.

Maryland breeders would not be affected by this bill and could continue to operate in Maryland. Marylanders who want a Labradoodle from a breeder would still be able to get that Labradoodle.  The goal of this legislation is to stop an inhumane form of commerce that treats dogs and cats like a commodity for sale in Maryland pet stores.

Let’s make Maryland a state that says NO to profit from Puppy Mills!

Ask Governor Hogan to “SIGN HB 1662 – Business Regulation – Retail Pet Stores – No More Puppy and Kitten Mills Act of 2018.”