Local Residents, Rescuers Support Proposed ‘Victoria’s Law’ Banning Sale of Puppy Mill Dogs in Pet Stores

JEFFERSON CO., Pa. (EYT) – The bill to ban the sale of puppy mill dogs in pet stores in Pennsylvania is still under consideration in the state senate, and it appears to have the support of many people in our local region.

(Photo courtesy of National Mill Dog Rescue)

The bipartisan Senate Bill 44, also known as “Victoria’s Law,” was introduced by Senators Tom Killion and Andrew Dinniman and is co-sponsored by a record 25 other senators.

The bill would prohibit the sale of commercially-raised dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores, and also increase transparency by requiring those selling animals to include identifying information in advertisements.

ExploreJeffersonpa.com spoke with individuals involved in animal rescue in our local region about the proposed bill.

“I would love to see this pass,” said Terri Walters, who operates Safe Haven Small Breed Rescue, an area rescue that focuses primarily on dogs rescued from puppy mill operations.

“The main issue (with puppy mills) is the lack of care. With something like an eye infection, a normal person will take their dog to a veterinarian. They don’t just let it stay sick or buy some over the counter Neosporin to put on it. That’s what we deal with. The people who run these mills, it’s all about the money. If a dog isn’t producing, isn’t making them money, it’s useless to them.”

According to Walters, the lack of care dogs receive at puppy mills also affects their behavior, which can be a challenge when it comes to rescue and placement.

“A lot of people don’t understand the mentality of a mill dog,” she said.

“Imagine you’re in a cage for seven years and the only time your touched is when you’re grabbed by the ear to be shoved in with another dog to breed. Of course, they’re afraid of people and afraid of being touched. They do come around, but they’re special, and they don’t usually make it well in shelters, which is why we focus on working specifically with them.”

While Walters supports the bill, she isn’t particularly optimistic about actually seeing it pass.

“I would love to see it, but I don’t see it happening because puppy mills make the state money. Every puppy mill that sells to pet stores not only has to be state licensed, but also licensed through the USDA, so the state is getting $400.00 to $700.00 per year, and the USDA is making money for their license fee, too. I still hope the bill goes through, but I’m pessimistic about it.”

Debbie Stephens, secretary and board member for Tri-County Animal Rescue echoed Walters sentiments.

“Of course, we think it’s a very good idea. Obviously if people keep buying puppy mill puppies, the mills have reason to keep reproducing. If you keep buying them, they’ll keep breeding them.”

Stephens noted that the overpopulation problem is massive, and slowing or stopping breeding programs wouldn’t solve it, but would at least alleviate some of the strain of it.

“I can’t remember the exact number, but I think it was something like every person in the country, adults and children, would have to own and care for seven cats and dogs, each, to even take care of all of the ones currently alive,” she noted.

Margo Stefanic, the primary animal caretaker and manager of Willow Run Sanctuary & Adoptions, also strongly supports the bill and hopes it may be a step in the right direction.

“You just see so many animals that don’t have homes and so many that are euthanized.”

Stefanic noted that one concern she has is with the enforcement of the measure.

“It wouldn’t even be as bad now if people just played by the rules. But, the state of Pennsylvania has such lax requirements for people to do what they’re doing (running puppy mills), and it’s not that expensive to get a permit or license for a kennel. They have to be inspected, but the kenneling laws stink. They’re the bare minimum to start with, and then everyone gets a chance, if a warden inspects them, and there are violations, they get a chance to fix them.

“Frankly, it’s easy to have a puppy mill in Pennsylvania.”

While she isn’t particularly in favor of breeding, Stefanic did note that she’s aware that not all breeders are created equal.

“People can do things the right way or the wrong way. There are some breeders out there who do things the right way. They don’t keep their dogs in cages, and they socialize their dogs and they only produce one or maybe two litters per year.”

However, with the overpopulation problem, she’d still like to see more stringent regulation of breeding to eliminate the puppy mills and backyard breeders that are in it for the money, rather than for the love of the dogs.

“I’d like to see Pennsylvania make the criteria so stringent that if you don’t have the time and money to put into doing it right and taking the best care of the animals, then you’re not going to do it at all.”

Along with rescuers, many local residents are in favor of Victoria’s Law, as well.

Logan Hinderliter said that it is a wonderful idea.

“Dogs that are bred in puppy mills are so sickly, yet people will spend thousands on them because they’re ‘cute puppies’ when there are perfectly lovable and healthy pups begging for attention and love in shelters everyday that usually get euthanized.”

Janet E. Dykins reiterated Hinderliter’s view.

“Why shouldn’t the underdog get a shot at a good life! No pun intended. I have a mutt from the humane society and she’s one of the best dogs I’ve ever had! Super smart and extremely loyal!”

Kristy Coder Baughman agreed with Hinderliter and Dykins and added that she thinks it is long overdue piece of legislation. She believes there needs to be a ban on puppy mills.

“There are so many inhumane, soulless people that breed for profit. The animals are kept in horrific conditions, bred repeatedly until they can no longer produce and then are killed. Many of those animals are sold on Facebook groups and classified sites like Craigslist. I have seen firsthand the conditions in which these animals are kept, and it needs to stop.”

Karen Foster agreed that puppy mills need to be shut down.

“Shut the puppy mills down for good!” Foster said.

And, Sherri Rhoads added that “rescues and shelters are great, and are certainly overwhelmed with dogs…There are also many reputable breeders that have puppies for those who would prefer them.”

Sierra Kathleen West noted that puppy mills should have been banned a long time ago.

“By purchasing dogs from pet stores you are supporting this horrendous practice, and no dog deserves to be put through that,” West continued.

While support for the bill is strong, it isn’t universal. Some local residents have issues with the measure.

“I think the government should worry more about health care and jobs and prescription prices. It’s a great idea but just one more way to send our tax money in another direction,” Cindy McDonald Miller said.

Dan Dunkle said it appears that the state can’t deal with the regulation and enforcement of ‘bad’ puppy mills.

“The (state) will once again kick the can down the road (the real problem) so another entity must deal with it in some way or another,” Dunkle continued.

Kyle Yates believes Victoria’s Law is “government over-reach.” His solution to the problem is to enforce stronger laws against puppy mills.

“Not all pet store get their pets from mills or shelters. It’s like telling people that they can’t buy brand new vehicles. They have to buy from used car lots. The law seems bent on redistributing money from one business to another without the fair market to decide. A proper way to handle this would be to enforce stronger laws against puppy mills.”

Regardless of the support for Senate Bill 44, the final decision is in the hands of legislators, and the bill currently remains in the State Judiciary Committee where it has lingered for months.

It is currently unknown when it will be brought for a vote.


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