Legislation is pending in Florida that could have disastrous consequences for consumers, local governments and dogs.
H.B. 1237/S.B. 1698 contains harmful language that would invalidate existing local laws and strip all Florida cities and towns of their authority to enact similar laws, leaving more dogs to suffer in squalid conditions.
As you may know, most puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. These commercial breeding facilities prioritize profit over the health and welfare of animals, and dogs owned by these operations are often kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water or socialization.
That’s why nearly 300 localities across the nation—including almost 70 in Florida—have enacted their own local laws to keep cruelly bred puppies out of their pet stores. In response, pet store lobbyists are pressuring state legislatures to pass “preemption” laws blocking cities and counties from adopting ordinances addressing the retail sale of puppies.
Contact your Florida State Representative and Florida state Senator today. Let them know you oppose H.B. 1237/S.B. 1698.
