A State Just Passed A Bill That Requires Pet Stores Sell Only Rescue Animals

Puppy mills are definitely not known for their exceptional treatment of animals. One state is taking a stand to put an end to them once and for all.

New Jersey passed a law which states pet stores licensed after January 12, 2016 will only be able to sell dogs and cats obtained from shelters and rescue organizations.

This sounds like one small step for man, one giant leap for petkind, if you ask me.

Senator Raymond Lesniak is responsible for introducing the bill. According to Country Living, he released this statement to reporters last December.

“These puppy mills have gained a notorious reputation for putting profits ahead of the humane treatment of dogs and cats,” he said. “Their mass breeding has created inbred health and behavioral problems, and the inhumane conditions have left too many of these pets to suffer from neglect and mistreatment.”

The Record reports that the bill will now head to the Assembly to be debated.

Hopefully, this bill will work to lower the number of cats and dogs that are euthanized. The ASPCA states that approximately 2.7 million cats and dogs (1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats) are euthanized each year. But, with pet stores able to help shelters find homes for pets, this number can only decrease.

So, who else is ready to head to a rescue shelter or to the state of New Jersey for pet-shopping from now on? I’m right there with you.

[h/t: Country Living]