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Senate approves bill restricting retail sale of commercially sourced puppies after warning for small retailers
Summary
The Senate passed House Bill 1011 to curb retail sales of commercially sourced dogs and cats, a measure sponsors said would disrupt the "puppy mill pipeline" and encourage adoptions; opponents warned the ban will close small pet stores, reduce consumer choice and risk a black market.
House Bill 1011 was adopted by the Senate on March 27 after debate over how best to address the supply chain that delivers commercially bred puppies to retail pet stores.
Sponsor Senator Roberts said the bill seeks to reduce overpopulation in shelters and end inhumane sourcing practices. "This is a bill about trying to make sure that the dogs and cats in our state have homes," Roberts said, describing committee testimony about poor conditions at some breeders and the demand that fuels those operations.
Opponents urged caution. Senator Lon — who visited local pet stores in his district — warned the measure would force some small, regulated mom-and-pop pet shops out of business and could create scarcity that incentivizes black-market sales. Senator Zamora Wilson, who also visited a Colorado Springs store, said she found the animals well cared for and feared the bill would harm small retailers while not eliminating bad actors.
The Senate adopted an amendment (L12) that extended compliance timelines for stores to wind down sourcing arrangements, a concession sponsors said would allow businesses time to adapt their models. After floor debate the Senate voted to adopt the amended bill and advance it for final processing.
Next steps: The bill was amended on the floor to give retailers additional time to comply and was placed on the calendar for third reading and final passage. Sponsors said they expect to monitor outcomes and encourage adoption and breeder oversight.
