By now, you may have heard about the state legislation that has been introduced that will ban the sale of kittens and puppies at pet stores and other public places and regulate how animals are treated by large-scale breeders. It’s House Bill 20-1084, the Humane Pet Act.
This bill comes before committee on Feb. 3.
I have seen firsthand what comes out of puppy mills. If you can imagine a young dachshund with rotting and missing teeth, fur falling out by the handful and a terror in her heart such as no one should ever experience, you will know what the “average” puppy mill dog looks like.
Their numerous litters start off looking innocent and healthy enough – enough to tear the heart strings of people wanting to add a little furry one to their family. So, unbeknownst to them, they bring home a sick puppy after they fork over hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on the puppy’s purchase.
And money continues to be handed over to medical professionals as the illnesses and other medical issues escalate and worsen.
But the time eventually comes when even the best science cannot help.
This legislation will eliminate much of the heartbreak a pet lover is forced to endure because the bill encourages adoption from reputable shelters and sanctuaries as well as small breeders who comply with the proposed common-sense regulations.
Ellen KesslerLittleton
