PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Pennsylvania bill banning the sale of dog, cats, and rabbits in pet stores unless they come from shelters or rescues, is being introduced in the state house by a pair of representatives who are also pet parents.
"These animals deserve to be treated with kindness and dignity; (that) is what Victoria's Law is all about," Montgomery County Republican State Representative and former Army veteran Tracy Pennycuick said, with her PTSD service dog Murphy by her side, at a news conference on Friday.
Pennycuick introduced House Bill 1299, also known as Victoria's Law.
"I understand and value and respect dogs, and the value and roles they play in our lives."
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This legislation would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores in the state unless they're sourced from rescues and shelters.
“We need to crackdown on these establishments so we can concentrate on finding good homes for the thousands of dogs across the state currently living in shelters," said Pennycuick.
The bill is named after Victoria, a German shepherd who was rescued from a mill after 10 years of breeding. She was paralyzed as the result of a genetic, neurological disorder which was passed down to hundreds of her puppies produced at the mill.
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"We're here to give a voice to the voiceless like Victoria who (are) crammed into filthy overcrowded and stacked wire cages, defenseless animals with very little vet care," said bill co-sponsor, Lehigh County Democratic State Representative and pet parent Jeanne MacNeil.
“This legislation would ultimately ensure reputable breeders like the ones responsible for Murphy can continue to their important work by ending the overpopulation and poor health traits that puppy mills are known for perpetuating."
This bill also increases transparency by requiring sellers to include identifying information.