The new legislation prevents pet stores from selling animals from puppy mills.
In light of good news, the Texas House has voted in favor of a bill that bans the sell of cats and dogs, in counties with populations of 200,000 or more, from commercial breeding facilities otherwise known as puppy mills. [Featured image: @fredrikohlander via Unsplash]
Under the new legislation, pet stores are only allowed to sell animals from animal shelters, control agencies, rescue organizations, or state-licensed breeders. Furthermore, stores must provide public documented records of where they obtained their cats and dogs to be available for customers interested in purchase.
Helmed by Texas Representative Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), the bill is meant to combat widespread animal euthanasia as well as the notoriously poor conditions for which commercial breeding facilities are known.
“An estimated 2 million puppies sold annually across the U.S. originate from puppy mills while 2-3 million puppies and cats are euthanized by pet shelters every year,” Patterson said in a statement. “Commercially bred dogs often live in horrendous conditions and suffer from an array of illnesses, often unknown to the consumer.”
Bill HB 1818 would penalize pet stores distributing animals from these facilities, in counties with populations of 200,000 or more, to a fine of $500 for each animal.
“Although 24 out of the 25 top pet stores already adhere to the humane model, Texas must enforce a minimum standard so that new pet owners can rest assured knowing that their dog or cat was raised and treated with care,” said Patterson.
Voted 85-54 in favor of the bill, the Senate will still need to approve HB 1818 before it becomes official law.
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