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Kupchick and McKinney celebrated the final legislative approval in the House of Representatives to increase standards at Connecticut pet shops and breeders they source from to ensure the animals are treated more humanely, according to a press release.
Kupchick served as co-chairman of the Task Force on the Sale of Cats and Dogs from Inhumane Origins at Connecticut Pet Shops in 2013, and McKinney also served as a member. After multiple public hearings and meetings, the task force submitted recommendations for legislation to the full General Assembly, which formed the basis of Senate Bill 445.
“The task force listened to all the affected stakeholders and the public and put together recommendations," Kupchick said. "While the final bill didn't include the original intent of a total ban of the sale of puppies & kittens in retail pet stores, I believe the legislation will greatly decrease the volume of puppies and kittens from 'puppy mills' and increase awareness of the conditions of breeding dogs in these mills. My hope is people will choose shelter/rescue or local breeders for their pets."
McKinney agreed.
"This bill goes a long way toward catching bad breeders. The proposal - though not an all-out ban on puppy mills - stops pet shops from selling animals purchased from breeders who have been cited for health violations by the federal government," said McKinney.
"Unfortunately, neither the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nor the state Department of Agriculture has the manpower to monitor and inspect puppy mills regularly. We should protect the animals and unsuspecting families that purchase these pets. This legislation moves Connecticut in that direction."
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