RICHMOND (WSLS10) -Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has signed legislation that will crack down on the sale of puppies raised in cruel puppy mills.
SB 1001
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restricts the sources of pet store puppies and the sale of dogs and cats in certain venues, including roadsides, parking lots and flea markets.
The new law limits the sources of pet shop dogs to humane societies, public or private animal shelters, and those who meet certain qualifications and establishes a record keeping requirement for pet shops selling dogs.
Matthew Gray, Virginia state director for The Humane Society of the United States, issued the following statement:
"We applaud Governor McAuliffe and the Virginia General Assembly for enacting real, tangible protections, not just for puppies, but also for all Virginians who are seeking to add a dog or cat to their family. By prohibiting Virginia pet stores from acquiring dogs from some of the worst puppy mills in the nation, and cracking down on unregulated sales of dogs and cats at flea markets, parking lots and rest stops, this bill makes the Commonwealth an even more humane and pet-friendly place for everyone."
The new law also applies the existing misdemeanor penalty for a violation to each dog sold or offered for sale.