Newtown Rep. Proposes Bill Targeting 'Puppy Mills'

NEWTOWN, CT — Second District State Representative Raghib Allie-Brennan has proposed a bill that would limit where pet stores can acquire the animals that they sell.

Bill No. 5386, referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, would make it illegal for pet shops to sell or trade dogs or cats that they did not first acquire from animal welfare organizations or animal control units.

The proposed legislation is not meant to affect the trade of smaller breeders, only disrupt the large scale so-called "puppy mills" and "kitten factories." These operations have been accused by animal advocacy groups such as the ASPCA of keeping their charges in inhumane conditions.

Pet stores, their supply chain, and the safety of their merchandise came to the forefront of public conversation locally following the dramatic rescue of 86 dogs from a fire in the Danbury pet store Puppy Love earlier this month. There have been no indications that the store had mistreated its animals or engaged in any improper behavior.

Allie-Brennan's Second District encompasses parts of Bethel, Danbury, Redding and Newtown. The bill was co-proposed by Jason Doucette, D-13, serving Manchester and Glastonbury.

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