Pet Stores Sue Maryland Claiming Puppy Mill Ban is Unconstitutional

A ban on most sales of dogs and cats in Maryland is being heard in court again after pet stores, breeders, and brokers sued Maryland, saying that they are unfairly shutting them out of the market. Under the law, cats and dogs can only be sold by their original breeds, not by pet stores or any middlemen.

Source: The Ring of Fire/YouTube

An earlier version of the law said that animals could be sold by businesses that were not open to the public. This loophole allowed pet stores to keep operating by appointment only. Now, an updated version signed last year closed this loophole and said that any for-profit store cannot sell the animals unless they were born there.

Many states have laws similar to this to prevent cruel puppy mills and breeders where dogs are bred fast and in large numbers so they can make a profit.

In the lawsuit, pet stores, breeders, and brokers argue that Maryland is unconstitutionally interfering with interstate commerce by giving preference to local businesses. They also argue that the ban is counterproductive because Maryland residents can still purchase dogs online and have them shipped into the state.

Supporters of the law say that it will turn Marylanders into shelters and other places where dogs are not bred and exploited simply for profit.

If you’d like to be a part of the mission to end cruel pet mills, please take a moment to sign this petition to encourage other states to ban the sale of commercially-bred animals in pet shops. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to spread awareness about this issue, Support the many organizations that are working to end puppy mills, and share this petition with your network! Together, we can make abusive pet mills a thing of the past in the United States and promote the fair and just treatment of all animals.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to only adopt instead of shopping. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

Related Content:

• Petition: Pass Life-Saving Senate Bill 672 in Maryland to Protect Animals
• Maryland Becomes Second State in the U.S. to Ban Declawing
• Maryland Votes to Ban Animal Testing
• Maryland Becomes the Second State to Ban the Sale of Pet Mill Animals — Help Your State Be Next!
• Historic Bill That Requires Research Labs to Retire and Adopt Out Animals Passes in Maryland!

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