WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 5112

AN ACT PROHIBITING PET STORES FROM PURCHASING OR PROCURING DOGS, CATS AND RABBITS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Doucette and 10 co-sponsors

Connecticut would prohibit pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits to reduce puppy mill supply chains and encourage shelter adoption.

FAV. CHG. OF REF., SEN. TO COMM. ON Environment
#adoption #agriculture #departmentof #animaldiseases #animalimporters #animalshelters #crueltytoanimals #dogtrainingfacilities #fees #groomingfacilities #kennels #licenses #notices #petshops #retailtrade #signs #veterinarians #violations
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5112

Legislative bill overview

HB 5112 would prohibit pet stores in Connecticut from purchasing, selling, or procuring dogs, cats, and rabbits for retail sale. The bill allows pet stores to continue operating but restricts them to selling only other types of animals. This legislation aims to reduce the supply chain that supports puppy mills and irresponsible breeding operations.

Why is this important

Pet stores have long been criticized for sourcing animals from high-volume breeding facilities with poor animal welfare conditions. By cutting off retail pet stores as a sales outlet, the bill seeks to reduce demand for mass-produced animals and encourage consumers to adopt from shelters and rescue organizations instead. Connecticut would join over a dozen other states and numerous municipalities that have enacted similar restrictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic impact on pet stores: Retailers who depend on dog, cat, and rabbit sales for revenue may face significant business losses, though some could pivot to other pet supplies or species
  • Enforcement and definitional challenges: The bill would need clear definitions of what constitutes a "pet store" versus other retail operations, and enforcement mechanisms to prevent circumvention
  • Consumer choice concerns: Some argue restrictions limit pet owner options and may simply redirect purchases to online retailers or out-of-state sources rather than shelters

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.