FRANKFORT, Ky. — As lawmakers heard testimony on regulating pet stores, the debate centered on local and state control. Some fear it will affect local management, while others argue it will affect business owners’ ability to make a living.
The committee considered Senate Bill 157 on Tuesday, February 12th. This bill would create statewide regulations for pet stores. This would allow the sale of dogs and pets, as long as the dog or pet comes from a qualified breeder as defined in the bill, by a federally licensed person, or three. This is from a person who owns the following female breeding animals. The bill would also allow local shelters to sell animals in pet stores.
Pet stores could not sell to animals under 8 weeks of age or to people under 18 years of age.
The bill would also prevent local governments from banning pet stores from selling dogs and cats, something three Kentucky cities have already done.
Elizabeth City Councilwoman Julia Springsteen opposed Senate Bill 157 (Spectrum News 1/Mason Brighton)
“So, as a municipality, we have the right to pass legislation that is in the best interest of the city,” said Elizabethtown City Councilwoman Julia Springsteen, who opposed the bill.
Elizabethtown became the first city to enact a pet store ordinance in 2021. Since then, Springsteen says he believes the ordinance has been a success. She said fewer people are selling pets in store parking lots, and adoption rates continue to rise.
SB 157 would make this ordinance unenforceable.
“Pre-empting what we think of as animal protection bills and consumer protection bills sets an unfortunate precedent when, as local public officials, we really want to take care of our people and their interests,” Springsteen said. he said.
Representatives from the national pet store chain Petland spoke in favor of the bill, believing that regulation of the industry is the best way forward.
“Cities like Louisville can require certain documentation for puppies sold, conduct inspections, and require pet stores within the city to be licensed. They can regulate, but they can’t prohibit. We can’t,” said Elizabeth Kunzelman, Petland’s vice president of legislative affairs.
Last year, the Louisville Metro Council overwhelmingly passed a pet store ordinance that affects Petland stores. The city follows in the footsteps of Elizabethtown and Radcliffe in passing similar measures.
“We have a responsible and prudent alternative to Senate Bill 157’s statewide ban and believe responsible, independent businesses should have the right to operate in a free market economy. ” Kunselman said.
Opponents of the bill say it would allow unscrupulous puppy mills and the breeding industry to continue selling animals in the state.
“If passed, this bill would strip cities of their autonomy and set a dangerous precedent that will not be well-received by the public or well-received by Kentucky cities,” said Metro City Councilmember Marilyn Parker. (Republican) said. She said she is 18 years old.
Senate Bill 157 ultimately passed out of committee on Tuesday. Former Metro City Councilwoman Kathy Chambers Armstrong (D-Louisville) voted against the bill. So did state Sen. Matthew Deneen (R-Elizabethtown), who served on the Elizabethtown City Council when the pet store ordinance was passed.