Essay
My bill HF1276 targets the idea that the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet shops is prohibited. This includes any place that can collect sales tax for the sale of animals to the public. That means any pet retail store, breeder, or broker is not allowed.
A positive aspect of this bill is that it helps the health of animals. For example, some suffer from malnutrition and starvation due to the cleanliness of food and water. Some can suffer from a lack of shelter and have to endure extreme weather conditions.
In some cases, the pet shops will choose profit over these animals. A breeder may have what they call “Designer” puppies. This idea is selling the animals that are wanted the most before six weeks old. They will end up missing out on some of the benefits it would need to thrive because it is away from their mom and siblings.
Another positive is we will be helping the cases where these animals are not happy and healthy. They are sold sick or injured because of improper care. They have unsanitary conditions and improper veterinary care. They are also using inhumane methods to dispose of the sick or unwanted animals.
I do see some flaws in this bill because not all pet shops treat their animals like this because there are many cases where they are given the best care. Pet shops are allowing you to choose your breed of dog and get them young. I do realize that getting dogs from a shelter or a human society may be risky as well.
Sources:
Paws. (n.d.). Resources: Puppy mills. Paws.
Best Friends Animal Society. (n.d.). Top reasons to adopt a pet rather than buy. Best Friends.
Minnesota Legislature. (2023). HF1276: A bill relating to dogs.