Georgia Passes New Law to Shut Down Puppy Mill Pipeline

Today, Georgia House Bill 331 was signed into law by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. This groundbreaking bill makes it illegal to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits at any public or commercial spaces, including roadsides, parking lots, sidewalks, parks, recreational areas, and more.  

House Bill 331 marks a significant victory in the effort to combat illicit pet sales across Georgia, helping to safeguard both pets and people looking to acquire pets. By eliminating these roadside and parking lot sales locations, the law will ultimately reduce the exploitation of pets, particularly those bred and sold through unethical practices.  

"Puppy mills frequently sell on roadsides and parking lots to prevent the public from seeing the oftentimes cruel and dire conditions these pets are bred in,” said Laura Donahue, Senior Director of Advocacy and Network Partners, Best Friends Animal Society. "I’m extremely grateful to Governor Kemp for taking a stand for Georgia’s pets.”

To date, 11 jurisdictions in Georgia have enacted ordinances that fully prohibit pet sales at flea markets, regardless of whether they are licensed or not.

"I backed the roadside sales element because every Georgians’ pet deserves a safe and loving home. By ending roadside and parking lot sales, we’re protecting our neighbors, our families, and our community’s most vulnerable animals,” said Rep. Beth Camp. “I encourage you to support ethical pet adoption and responsible ownership practices that make our community safer and kinder."

Best Friends Animal Society applauds Representative Camp’s leadership in championing this common-sense law and for bringing this important shelter pet lifesaving issue to the forefront of the Georgia Legislature. This law demonstrates a clear interest from the people of Georgia to prioritize animal health and welfare over the profits of unscrupulous breeders and ultimately make Georgia communities safer and healthier places for pets and their humans.