DOVER, Del. - Delaware lawmakers have approved legislation that would significantly restrict the sale of dogs and cats in retail pet stores, with the measure now awaiting the signature of Gov. Matt Meyer.
House Bill 131 would prohibit most retail pet stores from selling, leasing, or otherwise transferring ownership of dogs and cats. Instead, stores would be allowed to partner with animal shelters and rescue organizations to showcase animals available for adoption.
The bill’s sponsors say it is designed to reduce the demand for animals sourced from large-scale commercial breeding operations, or puppy mills, while encouraging pet adoption through shelters and rescues.
The legislation includes an exemption for certain existing dog retailers. Pet stores that have been selling dogs and maintained a retail dog outlet license for at least one year before the law takes effect would be allowed to continue operating, according to the bill’s text, provided they meet a series of requirements. Those requirements include sourcing dogs only from breeders and brokers with qualifying U.S. Department of Agriculture licenses and clean inspection records, as well as publicly disclosing information about the breeder and broker associated with each dog offered for sale.
The bill would also require qualifying pet stores to submit breeder and broker information to Delaware's Office of Animal Welfare twice a year. The agency would then post that information online for public review.
Violations of the law would carry a civil penalty of $500 per violation, with each unlawful sale or transfer treated as a separate offense. The Office of Animal Welfare would be responsible for enforcing the law.
In addition to creating new regulations for retail pet stores, the legislation updates portions of Delaware's animal welfare code to give the Office of Animal Welfare authority to enforce the new requirements.
HB 131 passed the House unanimously with 41 votes on June 18 after previously passing the Delaware Senate. If signed by Gov. Meyer, the law would take effect six months after enactment.
