A bill to prohibit pet stores from selling dogs and cats cleared its last major vote on Monday, March 30, passing the Senate 19-16.
The proposed ban comes as animal shelters across Colorado are experiencing overcrowding and record rates of owner surrenders.
“One of the reasons why we have an overpopulation issue is because of the direct sale of puppies at retail stores.
Supporters of HB 1011 argue that banning dog and cat sales in pet stores would cut off demand for these breeding mills in Colorado.
According to state legislators, only six or seven pet stores in Colorado currently sell dogs or cats.
Within the legislature, some opponents contended that pet stores shouldn’t be held responsible for the actions of puppy mills.
Duped pet buyers joined independent dog breeders, animal rescue operators and pet store owners who don’t sell animals in backing the bill. »