Delaware lawmakers have passed legislation that would sharply limit the sale of dogs and cats in retail pet stores, and the measure now sits on Gov. Matt Meyer’s desk awaiting his signature.
House Bill 131 would bar most retail pet stores from selling, leasing, or otherwise transferring ownership of dogs and cats. Stores could instead partner with animal shelters and rescue organizations to showcase animals available for adoption.
The bill’s sponsors say the measure aims to reduce demand for animals sourced from large-scale commercial breeding operations, commonly known as puppy mills, while steering prospective pet owners toward shelters and rescues.
The legislation carves out an exemption for certain existing dog retailers. Pet stores that have been selling dogs and maintained a retail dog outlet license for at least one year before the law takes effect may continue operating, according to the bill’s text, provided they meet a series of requirements. Those requirements include sourcing dogs only from breeders and brokers with qualifying U.S. Department of Agriculture licenses and clean inspection records, and publicly disclosing information about the breeder and broker associated with each dog offered for sale.
The bill would also require qualifying pet stores to submit breeder and broker information to Delaware’s Office of Animal Welfare twice a year. The agency would then post that information online for public review.
Violations would carry a civil penalty of $500 per offense, with each unlawful sale or transfer treated as a separate violation. The Office of Animal Welfare would enforce the law.
Beyond creating new regulations for retail pet stores, the legislation updates portions of Delaware’s animal welfare code to grant the Office of Animal Welfare authority to enforce the new requirements.
HB 131 passed the House unanimously with 41 votes on June 18 after clearing the Delaware Senate earlier. If Gov. Meyer signs it, the law would take effect six months after enactment.