New Jersey is taking decisive action against cruel puppy mills by advancing a bill that mandates pet stores sell animals exclusively from shelters.
According to The Humane Society, more than 10,000 puppy mills operate across the United States, producing over 2.4 million pets annually under often inhumane conditions.
The ASPCA reports that animal shelters receive nearly 4 million dogs each year, with 1.2 million euthanized due to overcrowding.
The New Jersey Senate has approved a bill to curb puppy mill operations by restricting pet sales. Stores licensed after January 2016 must source cats and dogs only from shelters or animal welfare organizations.
The bill now heads to the Assembly for consideration, as reported by The Record.
Senator Raymond Lesniak sponsored the legislation.
He stated: “Puppy mills prioritize profits over animal welfare. Mass breeding causes health and behavioral issues from inbreeding, with animals enduring neglect and mistreatment in inhumane conditions.”
