Virginia pet shops would be barred from selling puppy mill dogs

Pet shops would be barred from knowingly selling, offering for sale, or transferring a puppy mill dog. A covered dog is one bred by, born at, raised by, or obtained from a breeding operation meeting any of these conditions. A breeding operation would qualify if it provides inadequate care, exercise, shelter, or space, or keeps dogs in overcrowded, unsanitary, or inhumane conditions. It would also qualify if its main purpose is maximizing profit through producing large numbers of dogs while providing inadequate care. It would also qualify through U.S. Department of Agriculture citations: an Animal Welfare Act violation classified as direct or critical within the preceding two years, or two consecutive citations for refusing inspection access.

The Attorney General would collect penalties through a civil lawsuit. The $2,000 penalty would apply to each covered dog knowingly offered for sale, sold, or transferred in violation of the ban. Penalty money would go into a special state treasury fund for the department to carry out the purposes of the chapter containing this rule.