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Split testimony as lawmakers weigh letting towns ban retail sales of dogs, cats and rabbits
Summary
Animal‑welfare advocates urged HB 5283 to let municipalities prohibit retail sales of dogs, cats and rabbits to curb the puppy‑mill pipeline; pet‑industry groups and store owners countered that Connecticut’s strict statewide rules and inspections protect animals and that bans would push consumers to unregulated online sources.
The Planning and Development Committee heard sharply divided testimony on HB 5283, which would authorize municipalities to prohibit the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores.
Advocates for the measure — including Humane World for Animals, the Connecticut Humane Society and several local officials — said federal and state oversight of large commercial breeders has failed to prevent inhumane conditions at some sources and that giving towns the authority to ban retail sales would reduce demand…
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