Virginia Passes Law to Crack Down on Sale of Puppy Mill Animals 

Virginia becomes third state in the nation to restrict where pet stores can acquire puppies, fifth state to restrict public/outdoor sale of cats and dogs 

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has signed legislation that will crack down on the sale of puppies raised in cruel puppy mills. SB 1001 restricts the sources of pet store puppies and the sale of dogs and cats in certain venues. Matthew Gray, Virginia state director for The Humane Society of the United States, issued the following statement: 

“We applaud Governor McAuliffe and the Virginia General Assembly for enacting real, tangible protections, not just for puppies, but also for all Virginians who are seeking to add a dog or cat to their family.  By prohibiting Virginia pet stores from acquiring dogs from some of the worst puppy mills in the nation, and cracking down on unregulated sales of dogs and cats at flea markets, parking lots and rest stops, this bill makes the Commonwealth an even more humane and pet-friendly place for everyone.”