Missouri has long been known as the “puppy mill capital” of the United States. It has more licensed commercial dog breeders than any other state—and too many of them put profit before animal welfare. These breeding dogs spend their lives in cramped wire cages with little to no vet care, socialization, or comfort. Their puppies are then sold through a system that ends in retail pet stores, where the cruelty is hidden behind clean glass and smiling salespeople.

We have the power to stop this.

Eight states—including California, Maryland, Illinois, and New York—have already banned the retail sale of puppies in pet stores. These laws are working: they cut off one of the last major markets for puppy mills and protect families from the heartbreak of buying sick or poorly bred dogs. It’s time for Missouri to follow their lead.

Too many Missouri families have been deceived—sold sick puppies under false claims of “responsible” breeding. Meanwhile, the mothers of those dogs remain trapped in breeding mills, suffering out of sight and out of mind.

We call on the Missouri General Assembly—including the House Agriculture Policy Committee, the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee, and Governor Mike Kehoe—to pass a statewide humane pet store law that bans the retail sale of puppies, cats, and rabbits in pet stores and promotes adoption through shelters and rescues.

This law would not stop Missourians from getting dogs—it would stop them from unknowingly supporting cruelty. Responsible breeders and adoption centers will still thrive. What ends is the sale of suffering.

Let’s send a clear message: Missouri refuses to be the heart of the puppy mill industry any longer. Sign this petition to demand a compassionate, commonsense retail ban that protects both animals and the people who love them.