Maryland’s law prohibiting the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores passed in 2018, but does not take effect until January 2020, so that pet stores have time to transition to the business model that other small pet stores have used successfully: selling pet supplies, services, and hosting events with local shelters, responsible breeders, and rescues.
While the handful of pet stores affected by this law are filing a lawsuit to block it, similar laws have been challenged in court and their claims have been rejected. Maryland is proud to be the second state to pass a law that not only encourages adoptIon from local shelters, responsible breeders, and rescues, but also stops the flow of cats and dogs in puppy mills from coming into Maryland.
https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/08/27/maryland-pet-stores-sue-to-stop-puppy-mill-law/