Why a ban on pet store sales won’t help the animals
Once again, a bill has been introduced in the Pennsylvania Legislature to prohibit pet stores from selling purpose-bred pets from regulated breeders in lieu of selling only animals from shelters or rescues — all in the name of shutting down bad breeders.
There should be no debate about the need to shut down negligent, cruel or irresponsible pet breeders. However, misguided retail pet sales bans such as those proposed in SB 234 will limit consumer protections and choice, while doing nothing to improve conditions for pets.
Like the sponsors of the proposed legis- lation, the American Kennel Club is concerned about the well-being of all pets. AKC is not only the world’s largest nonprofit purebred dog registry, our affiliated clubs also operate America’s largest purebred rescue network.
For more than 130 years, we’ve been proud to be the only nonprofit purebred registry devoted to the health, well-being and humane treatment of all dogs.
Thoughtful commitment to the well-being of all dogs is the reason we and other reasonable dog lovers must look beyond the hyperbole to oppose Senate Bill 234 and instead embrace responsible choice and tougher consumer protection laws.
As introduced, SB 234 will drastically reduce pet buyers’ freedom of choice and limit the ability of families to select pets based on the breed, health and temperament traits they seek. It also rolls back the existing consumer protections that protect pet buyers.
Scrapping consumer protections won’t protect pets; it actually removes the penalties that stop irresponsible pet sellers and breeders. Similarly, taking away options for responsible choice pushes pet buyers straight toward internet scams, unregulated sellers or even just settling for a pet that’s not the right fit for their lifestyle, and more likely to end up back at the shelter.
Another flaw in the legislation is to prohibit sales of rescue pets at pet shops if the sellers have any interaction with breeders. Though well intentioned, restricting rescues affiliated with breeders ignores the historic, vital and important work of many local AKC dog clubs in rescue work and the expertise that knowledgeable breeders provide in breed-specific matters.
Many of our dog breeders are so dedicated to their breeds that they not only breed their own high-quality dogs, but also help rescue dogs of the same breed that are in need, irrespective of who bred them. AKC breed enthusiasts donate vast resources to breed rescue including time, expertise and housing. Years of experience with their chosen breeds place these breeders in a unique and unparalleled position to ensure that dogs in need get the breed-appropriate care and home they deserve.
If SB 234 is passed, many of Pennsylvania’s nationally renowned breed experts will no longer be able to help with rescue dogs that could be showcased at pet store adoption events. It also limits placement opportunities for those dogs, and limits adoption events in conjunction with pet stores.
A better approach is to embrace responsible pet choice and instead pass even tougher comprehensive consumer protection laws that cover all sources for pets sold in the commonwealth.
Pennsylvania excludes animal shelters and rescues from the commonwealth’s “Puppy Lemon Law,” which provides important protection to
consumers. Some may argue that shelters and rescues do not “sell” dogs but only seek to recoup their cost associated with housing and preparing the dog for adoption.
Regardless, the new owner should be provided with knowledge of the dog’s health, temperament and other important information that ensures they are getting the right dog for their lifestyle. It helps prevent pets from a life of cycling in and out of shelters and
rescues and instead helps get them the home and care they need and deserve.
Great pets come from a variety of sources, including breeders, responsible rescues and regulated pet shops and shelters. But in every case, freedom of choice to select the right pet is the crucial first step to success.
Promoting responsible dog ownership and protecting pets from negligence or cruelty is a complex and nuanced issue that cannot be solved or necessarily improved with the passage of an arbitrary law banning purposebred pet sales.
To truly protect pets and their owners, we need to increase consumer protection, not limit choice. Pennsylvania dog owners — and our dogs — deserve it.