Chesco Lawmaker Introduces Bill To Ban Puppy Mill Dog Sales In PA

State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) has introduced legislation to ban the sale of puppy mill dogs in Pennsylvania pet stores.

The bipartisan bill would prevent stores from selling not just puppy mill dogs, but any animal that is commercially raised in inhumane breeding conditions. Officials hope the legislation will reduce the pressure on shelters, and spike sales of rescue animals in pet stores across the state.

“For far too long, Pennsylvania has held the dubious distinction of puppy mill capital of the nation," Dinniman said in a statement Tuesday. "We need not only stronger animal cruelty laws and tighter enforcement of our existing humane and kennel standards, but also to put an end to cruel and inhumane puppy mills once and for all."

Dinniman introduced the legislation alongside State Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny, Washington) and State Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Allegheny).

The new bill aims to close a "loophole" that presently allows licensed kennels to sell puppies at outdoor events, as officials say there are numerous animal welfare and consumer issues that occur at flea markets and in parking lots. Shelters would still be permitted to sell at outdoor venues.

"After all, the way we treat our pets is indicative of the way we treat each other," Dinniman added.

Image via State Sen. Dinniman's Office