Rhode Island House Approves Bill That Bans Buying Dogs and Cats from Pet Shops

It may soon be illegal to buy dogs and cats from pet shops in Rhode Island.

Animal lovers are rejoicing over a new bill passed in the Rhode Island House of Representatives that bans buying dogs and cats from pet shops and 'puppy mills.'

The new bill also makes it illegal "to sell, exchange, trade, barter or display any dog or cat on any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park, or other outdoor market," according to a press release.

This is great news for all the dogs and cats awaiting their forever homes in shelters, rescues and pounds across the state.

Because this will now be the only place to buy a dog or cat.

The goal of this bill is a good one if you ask me. Trying to cut down on the demand for pets bred in the sometimes horrible conditions that these puppy mills bring about and instead focus on finding pets in need a family to love them.

All great goals.

And it doesn't put the pet shops out of business. It just means pet shops owners will need to adopt or take in rescue animals instead of buying from breeders.

The bill is halfway to being a law since passing the Rhode Island House. It now moves on to the state Senate for what will hopefully be approval there as well.