House Bill 2915, a bill that would prohibit any new pet stores from selling puppies and kittens in Oregon, is scheduled for a hearing this Monday, February 13th at 8 AM before the House Business and Labor Committee.
If passed, this bill would help to decrease the demand for puppies and kittens bred in inhumane facilities, and drive the statewide pet industry toward more humane sources, including shelters and rescues.
More than 70 rescues, shelters, pet stores, and veterinarians from across Oregon have come together to support HB 2915!
Show your support of HB 2915 by submitting written comments to the House Committee. Written comment will be accepted until 8 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, but it's best to get them in before the hearing, so submit them by 8 a.m. Monday, February 13 if you can.
Submitting comments in support is REALLY easy. Just go here and complete the online form.
It's best to use your own voice and tell your own story about why you support HB 2915, but here are some talking points to consider:
A majority of puppies sold in retail pet stores are born in puppy mills: inhumane spaces where they are often exposed to disease, not given adequate veterinary attention, and spend their days in cramped, dirty spaces
By not allowing cats and dogs to be sold in retail pet stores, more people may be encouraged to adopt animals from shelters who are in need of homes, or seek pets via other more humane methods
Currently, the ASPCA estimates that approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.1 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. This bill could ensure that more of these animals find good homes.
Thank you for helping us advocate for animals!