26-02-2025
Bill to regulate sale of cats, dogs in Kentucky, overriding local bans, fails
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — An effort to bring a uniform retail pet sale law to the Commonwealth fell short in Frankfort.
At least 5 cities and 1 county in Kentucky, including Lexington, have adopted local ordinances banning any over-the-counter sale of dogs and cats in an effort to turn away businesses from 'puppy mills' and encourage buyers to purchase from rescues.
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Bill to regulate sale of cats, dogs in Kentucky, overriding local bans, fails
Executives for the retail chain Petland argued that the ordinances are threatening their stores and that they've tried to offer transparency about their breeders.
'We're just saying don't shut us down overnight, regulate us, pass more bills, give us civil penalties. We will abide by all of your rules and regulations,' Mehek Cooke, a lobbyist for Petland, told lawmakers on the Senate Agriculture Committee Tuesday.
'They do not come from regulated breeders. They come matted, covered in feces and urine. They're scared. They're shaking. They're packed in cages,' Miriam Arena told reporters following the meeting. Arena is a former employee of Petland Lexington who says she was employed there for six months.
'We have a quilt work of regulation, and that's, I think, what this legislation was trying to prevent. Just a uniform opportunity to regulate places where people can buy animals,' Sen. Robin Webb (D-Grayson) told FOX 56
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Bill to regulate sale of cats, dogs in Kentucky, overriding local bans, fails
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Webb was among those in favor of Senate Bill 122 and felt the proposal was pro-business. However, enough lawmakers had concerns that the bill could step on local control or weren't strong enough to effectively penalize puppy mills.
'I still have some concerns about the back end of the bill when it comes to regulating and what those fines look like,' Sen. Matt Deneen said while explaining his 'no' vote.
The bill failed in committee on a tie vote of 5 to 5.
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