Pet stores are notorious for selling pets that are bred in dangerous and inhumane conditions. In North Carolina, pet stores can and do sell animals, especially dogs, from breeders whose practices can range from subpar to extremely cruel. I believe, along with many other animal-rights advocates, that these practices must come to an end to protect the welfare of animals and promote more ethical adoption options.

Currently, North Carolina law permits pet stores to obtain their animals from puppy mills and backyard breeders. There is well-documented maltreatment that occurs in these poorly regulated environments. According to the Humane Society of the United States, about 10,000 puppy mills continue to operate in the U.S., many failing to provide adequate food, clean water, and veterinary care (including vaccinations, deworming, etc). Female animals are typically forced to produce litter after litter with insufficient recovery time between pregnancies. And inbreeding isn't unheard of in these places. The cruel conditions negatively impact the physical health of these animals and also lead to severe mental and emotional distress. Dogs, cats, and bunnies from mills and backyard breeders are rarely properly socialized, which inhibits their ability to bond with the people who purchase them from pet stores. These people assume they are taking home a new best friend, but they aren't. They're taking home a victim who will soon be replaced by another one. They're (often unknowingly) supporting practices that perpetuate a cycle of suffering, overpopulation, and consumer manipulation.

Our local shelters are overflowing with thousands of dogs, cats, and bunnies eagerly awaiting adoption. And some spend their whole lives in shelters because many people are either unaware of or are just misinformed about rescue/shelter adoption. The ASPCA reports that around 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year. By prohibiting pet stores from selling animals sourced from mills or profit-hungry breeders and instead partnering with local rescues and shelters, North Carolina can reduce the strain on shelters and improve the lives of countless animals across the state.

Several states and cities across the country, such as New York, California, and Chicago, have already implemented bans like the one I'm proposing. These measures have been successful in reducing the demand for mill-bred animals and increasing the support for local shelters and rescue organizations. I urge NC General Assembly Members to help our defenseless animals and amend the state legislation to ban the sale of animals (not from shelters) in pet stores. Encouraging a humane and compassionate approach to pet ownership will not only better the lives of individual animals but also improve the lives of the families who bring them home.

Please sign this petition to show your support for the legislation I'd like NC lawmakers to create that would reduce demand for poorly bred animals and encourage pet adoption.