KY Senate bill 157 sparks debate on pet store regulations

By Blake Jackson

Senate Bill 157 in Kentucky establishes new guidelines for the sale of dogs and cats, targeting retail pet stores. Under this legislation, these stores can only sell to buyers aged 18 and above and are prohibited from selling puppies and kittens under eight weeks old. The bill mandates that the source of dogs and cats for these stores must be animal shelters or "qualified breeders," limiting local governments from enforcing stricter regulations. Violations could result in fines of $500 per pet offered for sale under the new guidelines.

Sponsored by Republican Jason Howell, the bill now progresses to the full Senate for potential approval. If enacted, it would overturn existing regulations in Elizabethtown and Radcliff, aiming to prevent retail pet stores from sourcing animals from breeders, particularly those associated with puppy and kitten mills, known for mistreatment and providing unhealthy pets.

The proposed legislation also counteracts a ban set to take effect in Louisville in September. Local ordinances do not prevent stores from collaborating with adoption agencies and shelters for pet offerings.

SB 157 defines "qualified breeders" as individuals with three or fewer breeding dogs or cats or large-scale kennels without USDA violations for the past two years. The bill omits critical violations, which include infractions affecting animal welfare, from its language.

Louisville Metro Council Member Marilyn Parker, co-sponsor of the city's ordinance against retail pet store sales, defended the local regulations, emphasizing concerns about stores obtaining animals from mills with questionable welfare practices, despite USDA regulations.

During the Senate committee meeting, a representative from Petland, a major pet retailer, claimed the company played a role in drafting SB 157.

This legislation raises debate over the balance between standardizing regulations and addressing concerns about the welfare of animals sold in retail pet stores. A similar bill challenging local pet sale bans is concurrently progressing through Indiana's legislative process. The outcome will significantly impact the sourcing practices of retail pet stores and the welfare of animals in Kentucky.

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