Why Dog Breeders in Virginia Aren’t Happy

Animal advocates are celebrating the passage of a new law in Virginia that they hope will make it harder for bad breeders to do business in the state and will get more pets adopted.

This week Governor Terry McAuliffe signed legislation that aims to shut down shady sellers by banning sales of dogs and cats in public places, including parking lots, flea markets or the side of the road. Even better it makes Virginia the third state to enact legislation restricting the sale of companion animals in pet stores.

Under the new law, which will go into effect in July, pet stores will need to obtain animals from rescues and shelters, or prove they came from a breeder with no violations of the Animal Welfare Act. They will also be required to keep and provide health records. Violators will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor for each dog sold or offered for sale, which could bring up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

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