Bill would ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in parking lots and along roadsides unless licensed

Representative (author) presented HB 331 (LC 443007) to prohibit exchanging money for dogs, cats and rabbits in parking lots, alongside roads, or at pop-up flea-market situations unless the seller holds a Department of Agriculture breeder license.

"This bill specifically seeks to stop individuals from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits in parking lots," the sponsor said, describing the measure as intended to curb nefarious operators who bring animals into the state without medical histories or proper records.

The sponsor said the bill preserves sales at private residences, veterinary offices, businesses, and sanctioned events — including 4‑H programs, registered-breeding-club shows and agricultural exhibitions. He said municipal business-license requirements and existing Department of Agriculture licensing remain in force.

Representative Lewis Ward and Representative Tyler questioned whether the penalties ($100, $250, $500 on subsequent offenses as drafted) would deter commercial operators and whether repeat sales at homes or clinics could circumvent the intent. The sponsor said the Department of Agriculture had suggested changing penalties so each animal sale counts as a separate offense.

Committee action: The item was presented for consideration at the hearing; the sponsor asked the committee to revisit the measure at a later meeting. No committee vote was recorded.

Why it matters: The bill aims to reduce on-site, roadside and parking-lot animal sales tied to unlicensed out-of-state sellers and sellers without medical and breeding records. Backers said it targets puppy-mill-style operations and protects consumers from buying animals without records.

Votes at a glance: HB 331 — Hearing only; no committee vote taken.