RI House Passes Bill Against Puppy Mills

From The RI House of Reps:The House of Representatives today gave its approval to legislation introduced by Rep. Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick) that would ban the sale of dogs and cats at pet shops, except those that have come from an animal shelter, dog pound or animal rescue.

The legislation (2018-H 7477) would also make it unlawful for any person to sell, exchange, trade, barter or display any dog or cat on any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park, or other outdoor market.

“We all know the horror stories of animals that are bred in puppy mills,” Representative Serpa said. “What this legislation will do is decrease the demand for dogs and cats that are bred in this terrible fashion while increasing the demand for pets that come from animal shelters. This in turn will encourage pet shops to adopt and adhere to more humane policies in the sales of cats and dogs.”

Representative Serpa is a longtime advocate of animal rights. Earlier this year, she received the Golden Paw award from Animal Rescue Rhode Island, a private, no-kill animal shelter, for her tireless advocacy for animals in the state legislature.

The measure now moves to the Senate, where similar legislation (2018-S 2780) has been introduced by Sen. Stephen R. Archambault (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston).

Image Via RI House of Reps