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Bethlehem, PA, Bans Sale of Commercially-bred Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits in Pet Stores

From NathanWinograd
January 2024

Such laws do three things: encourage people to adopt/rescue educate the community about dog and cat (and rabbit) abuse in mills; stop that abuse.

Pet stores generally get their animals from Commercial Breeding Enterprises (CBEs), commonly called ‘puppy mills.’ CBEs engage in systematic neglect and abuse of animals, leaving severe emotional and physical scars on the victims. One in four former breeding dogs have significant health problems, are more likely to suffer from aggression, and are psychologically and emotionally shut down, compulsively staring at nothing.

Under the new law, pet stores can partner with rescue groups and animal shelters to have animals available.

Such laws do three things:

1. Encourage people to adopt/rescue;
2. Educate the community about dog and cat (and rabbit) abuse in mills;
3. Stop that abuse.

And they work: nationally, the number of commercial breeders has declined by 30%, and “Nebraska Department of Agriculture records show that half of the state’s commercial dog and cat breeders have left the business.”

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