Oppose: Pet Protection Act (Florida)
Would preempt new local retail sales bans for cats and dogs and would also prohibit municipalities from enacting any further safeguards against puppy and kitten mills. (SB 994/HB 849)
Status
“Puppy” and “kitten” mills refer to large-scale commercial breeding operations where profit is prioritized over the health and well-being of the breeding animals and their offspring. Often housed in crowded facilities, these innocent animals suffer daily due to unsanitary conditions without access to clean water, nutritious food, or even the most basic of veterinary care. Virtually all animals sold in pet stores are produced by mills. Stores are an ideal partner for mills because they allow the cruelty at the mills to remain hidden from consumers.
SB 994/HB 849, known as the Pet Protection Act and sponsored by Senator Manny Diaz (R-36) and Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin (R-119) would preempt new local retail sales bans for cats and dogs as well as prohibit municipalities from enacting any further safeguards against puppy and kitten mills.
This is not a bill to protect animals — this is a bill to continue the cruel use of animals for profit while opening the door to invalidating protective measures already in place. It would prohibit local governments from enacting ordinances to ban the retail sale of dogs and cats at pet stores and prevent local governments from further regulating pet stores to ensure animals do not come from puppy and kitten mills.
On the surface, SB 994/HB 849 appears to require greater transparency for consumers, but the fact that it has a local retail sales ban preemption shows its true agenda.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund is strongly opposed to the Pet Protection Act, and we’re hopeful that you will join us in fighting this deceptive legislation.
