The law crackdowns on the unregulated sale of animals in parking lots and other public places, which lawmakers hope will curtail so-called puppy mills.
MACON, Ga. — A new law in Georgia is set to crack down on the unregulated sale of animals in public spaces, a move animal advocates say could help curb puppy mills and reduce overcrowding in local shelters.
Signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp last week, House Bill 331 makes it illegal to sell animals, such as dogs, cats and other pets, in public or commercial areas, including roadsides, parking lots, sidewalks and parks.
The law will take effect on July 1.
Laura Donahue with the Best Friends Animal Society says the legislation is a critical step toward ending the cruelty associated with mass breeding operations.
“Which we know are, you know, breeding these animals in really poor conditions. They're not safe, and all the while, you have healthy, adoptable animals that are ready to be your pet,” Donahue said.
Claurice Ordaz, who recently visited Warner Robins Animal Control to find a new pet, supports the law.
She says it will encourage more people to adopt from shelters rather than buying from sellers in parking lots.
“I’d rather take a dog from here and make space so they can help other animals,” she said.
Warner Robins Animal Control currently houses about 70 dogs and 15 cats. Animal Control supervisor Greg Langston says the new law could ease the pressure on facilities like his.
“It’d be less animals coming through our doors,” Langston said.
He says when people adopt from the shelter, their four-legged friends are sure to have a clean bill of health.
“We make sure they get the first shots, deworming, flea, and tick control. We keep a close eye on them,” Langston said.
Violators of the new law could face fines of up to $500.