ASPCA Commends Colorado Lawmakers for Passing Legislation to End the Sale of Puppy Mill Puppies in the State

DENVER - The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) commends Colorado lawmakers for passing HB26-1011 to end the sale of cruelly bred puppies in the state, protecting dogs and Coloradans from the deceptive tactics of the pet industry. Sponsored by House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Rep. Karen McCormick, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, and Sen. Dylan Roberts, the bill passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives and now heads to Gov. Jared Polis to be signed into law.

Puppies sold in pet stores and through online retailers are trucked into Colorado from out-of-state commercial breeding facilities, known as "puppy mills ", that house hundreds of dogs in overcrowded, unsanitary cages, prioritizing profit over the wellbeing of the animals. In these operations, the dogs are bred repeatedly, having litter after litter, as they suffer from inadequate care, frequently resulting in disease, behavioral issues and even death. This process exploits animals and consumers, who are often unprepared for the sky-high veterinary bills and the crushing heartbreak that can occur when sick pets are purchased unknowingly.

According to an ASPCA poll, over 82 percent of Colorado voters support a statewide policy to end the sale of puppy mill puppies at pet stores and through brokers, and HB26-1011 would do just that.

"Colorado has a reputation for being one of the most dog-friendly states, and with the passage of HB26-1011, we are one step closer to joining the growing number of states that are rejecting inhumane pet sales practices, reflecting the deep compassion Coloradans have for animals and preventing cruel commercial breeders from profiting off our state's consumers," said Sabrina Pacha, ASPCA director of state legislation for the Mountain West region. "The ASPCA is grateful to House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Representative Karen McCormick, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, and Senator Dylan Roberts for their leadership on HB26-1011, and we urge Governor Polis to sign the bill into law to end Colorado's participation in the horrific puppy mill pipeline."

"HB26-1011, Pistol the Pomeranian Act, is a deeply personal bill for me in honor of my late beloved dog who came from a puppy mill to be sold at a Colorado pet store," said House Majority Leader Monica Duran. "My family is not alone in seeing the heartbreaking consequences that the cruelty of a puppy mill has on the health and wellbeing of a dog, and that is why an overwhelming majority of Coloradans have been asking the legislature to put an end to the sale of puppies from puppy mills at pet stores and through brokers. Colorado should support ethical business practices and responsible breeders, while also protecting our beloved pets, and that is exactly what this bill does. I am immensely proud to send HB26-1011 to the Governor and for it to be enacted into law."

"HB26-1011 is responding to the overwhelming majority of Coloradans asking us to put an end to the puppy mill pipeline in Colorado and to instead support responsible breeders and local animal shelters and rescues," said Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez. "I am proud that my colleagues voted to pass this critical bill and that Colorado will better protect our consumers from a deceptive puppy mill industry and the animals that suffer through it."

"As a veterinarian, I've been a direct witness to the consequences of the puppy mill supply of dogs across multiple states," said Karen McCormick, State Representative and chair of the House Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources Committee. "Too often, these dogs deal with physical and behavioral health issues due to the poor and inhumane breeding practices of puppy mills and the unsuspecting people who purchase these dogs then carry an unfair financial burden of treating these issues. HB26-1011 will protect our Colorado consumers, support the vast majority of pet stores in Colorado, and help end the pipeline that allows a cruel puppy mill industry to continue to operate."

"Across the state, Coloradans have been asking us to put an end to the puppy mill pipeline and the importation of cruelty that harms consumers," said Dylan Roberts, State Senator and chair of the Senate Agricultural & Natural Resources Committee. "That's what this bill does. With the passage of HB26-1011, Colorado remains consistent with our values - loving our pets, supporting responsible breeders locally and across the nation, in addition to local shelters and rescues, and protecting consumers and small businesses across the state."

Over 26 localities in Colorado have already taken action to prevent pet stores from selling cruelly bred dogs in their community, but without a statewide law, the puppy mill industry can continue to operate and profit off of Coloradans. The overwhelming majority of pet stores in Colorado and nationally - including both large chains and independent stores - do not sell puppies. Instead, these businesses focus on selling food and other products, or offering services such as grooming, boarding, and training. They also partner with local shelters and rescues to hold adoption events.

If signed into law, HB26-1011 will finally stop the puppy mill pipeline from entering the state, while still ensuring that Coloradans looking to add a dog to their family can work directly with responsible breeders or adopt from a shelter or rescue.

For more information about the ASPCA, or to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org.