Humane Society Working to End Dog/Cat Retail Sales, Many Come from Puppy Mills

TALLAHASSEE ‒ Florida’s Director for Humane Society of the United States Kate MacFall is asking state leaders to end the sale of dogs and cats in pet retail stores.

Many pets sold to retail outlets are from puppy mills and often have illnesses that can be difficult to identify immediately.

“The consumers are duped into thinking these animals come from a local breeder and they end up with veterinary bills and a sick puppy or cat,” said MacFall.

MacFall supports the bill that would ban dogs and cats from being sold at local pet stores. MacFall says a new law would not only give consumers healthier pets, but would also give animals at shelters a better shot at a second chance.

“They can welcome their partners from the local humane society shelters to come in on a Saturday to promote their pets for adoption,” MacFall said. “It’s a unique partnership and we wholeheartedly support that. We don’t want retail outlets to go out of business. We just want them to sell other things besides live animals with unknown pasts.”

While trusted breeders are still a good option, adopting is the obvious choice for pet owners said Ayanna Woodard.

“I would hope more animals would be saved and put in a better place or home,” Woodard said.

According to MacFall, currently, this Senate bill sits without a sponsor and is challenged by another bill filed in the Senate and backed by the pet store industry. This competing preemption bill would remove the ability to pass local ordinances prohibiting the retail sale of cats and dogs.

“We have successfully killed it every year, and I anticipate we will do the same this year,” MacFall said.

She anticipates a sponsor will join in on the bill she supports ahead of the Jan. 11 session.

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