Oregon: Don't Let Pet Stores Support Puppy Mill Cruelty

  • by: alicia graef
  • recipient: Oregon Legislature, House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources

It's heartbreaking to think about the thousands of adoptable dogs in shelters waiting for forever homes, while commercial breeders continue to mass produce more and more to meet the demand for those adorable puppies we can't resist. It's a vicious cycle that pet stores are supporting, but Oregon could soon become the next state to end it.

A new bill (HB 4045), which was recently introduced by Representatives David Gomberg and Deborah Boone, would ban pet stores in the state from selling dogs, unless they were obtained from a shelter or rescue group, in addition to requiring stores to provide clear information about where their dogs came from.

Supporters hope this legislation will help crack down on the notorious puppy mills operating in the U.S. by closing a huge market for the animals they produce that are sold in pet stores. Not only will this help save the lives of dogs in need of homes and reduce the demand for more from breeders, it will help protect consumers, and relieve taxpayers who are ultimately paying for shelters to house and kill animals.

While many continue to defend pet store sales of dogs and cats, claiming  that they only come from breeders who are licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the standards that have to be met for licensing are the bare minimum and are clearly not in line with the level of humane care that breeders should be providing, or that consumers believe is being provided – as multiple inspections and investigations have continued to prove.

Thankfully, growing awareness about the problem is bringing positive changes across the country. In the U.S., dozens of major cities across the nation have taken a stand against puppy mills by passing laws shutting down pet store sales, or are working towards that goal, while California just became the first state in the nation to pass a statewide ban.

Now it's time for Oregon to do the same. While there is widespread support for passing this type of legislation, it's unfortunately also getting opposition from individuals, pet store owners and other organizations that don't want to see it pass.

Please sign and share this petition asking lawmakers in Oregon to pass this critical piece of legislation to protect companion animals.

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