Important and Time Sensitive: The Puppy Mills Bill – HB 1662 got a favorable report in the Senate Finance Committee and is up for a vote in the full Senate tomorrow! The opposition is getting people to contact their Senators to oppose or tack on new amendments. We support the version that passed out of the Senate Finance Committee – with no new amendments.
Please ask your Senator to vote YES on The Puppy Mills Bill – HB 1662 that passed out of Committee – with no new amendments. This is a common-sense bipartisan bill that passed in the House 123-11.
This action has expired.
Background
Maryland families should not have to 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 pets stores sell these 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 pet 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 which treats dogs and cats as commodities rather than pets.
With the recent laws’ uneven enforcement to protect Maryland pet store consumers, there is little incentive for pet stores to modify their practices now. As a result, pet stores continue to profit from well-meaning pet lovers who do not realize that they are supporting the puppy mills.
Let’s make Maryland a state that says NO to profit from Puppy Mills!