Despite AKC Opposition, Colorado Says No to Puppy Mills and Bans Cat and Dog Sales in Pet Stores

Last month, Colorado showed true care for companion animals by becoming the eighth U.S. state to ban the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores as a way to crack down on the cruel puppy mill industry. House Bill 26-1011, also known as the Pistol the Pomeranian Protection Act, prohibits pet stores from selling or transferring ownership of dogs and cats for profit.

The law was named after House Majority Leader Monica Duran's beloved dog who was a puppy mill survivor and passed away last year. Although the change will affect seven pet stores across the state, residents will still be able to buy dogs directly from licensed breeders, and pet stores can continue to partner with rescues and shelters to host adoption events. Despite these exceptions, which ensure Coloradans can still find the companion that is right for their family, the American Kennel Club spoke out against the compassionate legislation.

In late March, the AKC put out a message to their supporters in Colorado asking them to contact their representatives to oppose the bill, claiming it "restricts consumer choice." This is the same organization whose motto is "Everything we do we do for the dogs," and yet one with documented ties to more than 20 of the most notorious puppy mills in the country that has consistently opposed laws that would improve protections for dogs in commercial breeding operations. The AKC should be ashamed for their continued prioritization of profit over the wellbeing of dogs and for propping up some of the worst offenders in the country with their meaningless certifications that allow the cruelty of puppy mills to continue unchecked.

Thankfully, their opposition failed. During debate on the bill in February, Representative Duran, its original sponsor, made clear why voluntary standards and stronger regulations alone have never been enough: "We have seen the reports. We have seen sick puppies. We have seen families walk into stores believing they are supporting responsible practices, only to learn later that they financed cruelty and puppies were shipped from out of state. If stronger standards alone worked, wouldn't it already have worked?"

On signing the bill, Governor Polis thanked Representative Duran for her dedication to this issue over the past eight years. House Majority Leader Duran put it simply: "Pet stores can still thrive. Communities can still connect with animals, but the pipeline that brought suffering into our state ends here and ends today."

Colorado's action is a meaningful step forward that other states will hopefully emulate, but unfortunately, the puppy mill industry continues to operate across the country, and the American Kennel Club continues to lend it legitimacy. Every year, 2.6 million puppies are born in cruel breeding operations in the United States, and the AKC continues to register their litters and oppose the laws that would protect them. If you haven't already, please join us in holding the AKC accountable for their stunning betrayal of the animals they claim to care about by signing and sharing our petition calling on them to cut all ties with puppy mills and stop enabling this cruelty once and for all.