New Maryland law aims to reduce demand for puppy mill dogs

Maryland is now the second state in the country to ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats, with the goal of reducing demand for dogs born in puppy mills.

Governor Larry Hogan signed House Bill 1662 into law Tuesday.

Jessica Summers, the Manager of Worcester County Humane Society said, "I think Governor Hogan definitely made a step for us in the right direction for pets everywhere."

Shelter managers say although this bill signing is good progress, there is still more that needs to be done. Summers said, "Ultimately, I think that the direction we're trying to go for is an all out ban against puppy mills."

Puppy mills, like the one busted in Eden back in 2016, are despised for their inhumane treatment of dogs.

"There's not enough space to house those animals so often times puppy mill dogs are kept in cages, which is bad for so many reasons. They don't have the space to run around and act like actual dogs, they don't get the proper medical care," Summers explained.

Shelter managers say when people buy their dogs online or at pet stores, they often don't even realize the dog comes from a puppy mill.

Summers said, "Some people don't even realize where these animals come from. People might think that the animals in pet stores are from shelters."

Ultimately, pet shelters hope that lawmakers will target the source and eradicate puppy mills altogether. 

In the meantime, they say it's important to support local shelters, where all of the dogs up for adoption are cared for properly.

Summers said, "I just wish that people would give shelter dogs a chance. We've got some great dogs here."

Overall, seven pet stores in Maryland will be affected by this bill including one right here in Salisbury.

We spoke with Super Pet on Wednesday, a pet store in Salisbury, and they say they support anything that reduces the demand for puppy mill dogs.