Fairfield Reps Back Ban on 'Puppy Mills'

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – When you buy a new puppy or kitten, you expect it will be healthy and well cared for. Local legislators Sen. John McKinney, R-Fairfield, Easton and Weston, and Brenda Kupchick, R-Fairfield, are backing a new law that would make sure that’s the case.

“This bill is simply about accountability, basic human compassion for animals, and frankly, consumer protection,” Kupchick told the state House of Representatives Environmental Committee. 

The House Environmental Committee is discussing House Bill 5409, which is designed to protect buyers as well as animals. The bill would require pet shops to pay for veterinary bills if an animal purchased at the store shows signs of a congenital defect within six months of the sale. Stores would also be required to post signs informing customers of the law.

“When someone purchases a dog or cat, they are looking to make a worthwhile addition to their family, home and life,” Kupchick said. “Too often you hear of the horror stories of the animal becoming ill from a genetic defect, which can lead to costly medical bills.”

The bill also targets what have become known as “puppy mills,” or animal breeding facilities with inhumane conditions. If it becomes law, Connecticut stores would be prohibited from selling animals born in these areas.

"The inhumane treatment of animals raised and bred to be sold as pets has become far too commonplace,” McKinney said. “Passage of this legislation would be a significant step toward putting puppy mills out of business and protecting pet owners from unknowingly purchasing animals with health issues."

The bill specifically defines a “substandard domestic animal mill” as a facility where pets are not allowed proper exercise; are kept in unclean, unsafe or overly small quarters; or are not provided enough food and water. If the bill passes, pet stores would have to provide documentation with each dog or cat sold that the animal came from a reputable source.

Both McKinney and Kupchick testified in favor of the bill at a hearings on the bill earlier this month. The issue is especially important to Kupchick, a volunteer for local animal rescue groups. She has said animal rights issues are among her priorities in the statehouse.

“In Connecticut, we have many reputable breeders, rescues and shelters that offer healthy dogs and cats for sale or adoption,” Kupchick said. “There is no excuse for the disparity between these stores and breeders. It’s unfortunate that we have to legislate humane treatment, but the sad truth is, there are people who view animals as only a source of profit.”

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