World News
California Bans Puppy Mills, Requires Stores to Sell Only Rescue Animals
Puppy mills are operations which breed animals at a fast rate without respecting the health or well-being of their animals. While puppy mills have been frowned upon for many years, California has taken the first step into making it much more difficult for these operations to do business. Today.com writes that a new law going into effect January 1, 2019, “…will require pet store owners to sell dogs, cats and rabbits from animal shelters, rescue groups or adoption centers.” Those who do not follow the rules and interact with puppy mills (or kitten factories) will face a fine of up to $500 for the sale of each animal.
Buzzfeed writes that the American Kennel Club isn’t happy with the new law stating that it “…blocks all of California’s pet lovers from having access to professional, licensed, and ethical commercial breeders,” but the new law does not impact private breeders selling directly to customers.
Now, the question becomes: What should other states do? 9NEWS asked their readership on Facebook to comment if they feel Colorado should follow suit. Maybe people agreed and thought the laws could be even tougher with higher fines. “The punishment should be stricter and send a message that animals are not objects to be bought and sold,” John Oslick wrote.