Second State Bans Sale of Puppies and Kittens in Pet Stores

The law takes effect in 2020.

Maryland’s governor has signed legislation banning the sale of kittens and puppies in pet stores, the Washington Post reports.

The law, which drew opposition from some pet store owners, is set to take full effect in 2020. California has a similar law, which goes into effect next year.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said the law is geared toward preventing the sale of animals from “puppy mills.” But opponents of the law said that term is inaccurate and that they source their pets from responsible breeders. 

Jeanea Thomson, owner of pet retail business Just Puppies, was quoted saying, “We couldn’t have been in this business for 20 years if the breeders weren’t caring for the dogs.”

Read more at Washington Post