FRANKFORT, Ky. — A debate over local versus state control was front and center as lawmakers heard testimony over regulating pet stores. Some are concerned it will impact local control, others argue it impacts business owners’ ability to make a living.
A committee considered advancing Senate Bill 157 on Tuesday, Feb. 12. The bill would create statewide regulations concerning pet stores. It would allow dogs and pets to be sold — so long as they come from what the bill defines as a qualified breeder — who is federally licensed or someone who has no more than three female breeding animals. The bill also permits local shelters could sell animals at pet stores.
Pet stores could not sell animals younger than eight weeks or to people under 18 years old.
The bill also would prevent local governments from banning pet stores from selling dogs and cats, something three cities in Kentucky have already done.
“I mean, we have the right as municipalities to pass bills that are in our city’s best interests,” said Julia Springsteen, an Elizabethtown councilperson who spoke against the bill.
Elizabethtown became the first city to enact a pet store ordinance in 2021. Since then, Springsteen says she believes it’s been successful. She says they are seeing fewer people selling pets in store parking lots and adoption rates continue to rise.
SB 157 would make this ordinance unenforceable.
“To preempt what we consider to be an animal protection bill and a consumer protection bill is an unfortunate precedent to start when as local officials, we really want to look after our citizens and our citizen’s interests,” Springsteen said.
Representatives from the nationwide pet store chain Petland spoke in favor of the bill, believing regulation of the industry is the best way forward.
“Cities like Louisville can require specific documentation on puppies sold, conduct inspections, require pet stores become licensed within the city. They can regulate them, they just can’t ban,” Elizabeth Kunzelman, vice president of legislative affairs for Petland said.
Last year Louisville Metro Council overwhelmingly passed a pet store ordnance, which affected a Petland store. The city followed Elizabethtown and Radcliff in passing similar measures.
“We have a responsible, sensible alternative to a statewide ban with Senate Bill 157 and we believe responsible independent businesses should be given the right to conduct business in a free market economy,” Kunzelman said.
Opponents of the bill say it will allow puppy mills and bad actors in the breeding industry to continue selling animals in the state.
“If this bill passes, it usurps the home rule authority of cities and sets a dangerous precedent that won’t be received commonly or well by Kentucky cities,” Metro councilwoman Marilyn Parker, R-Dist. 18, said.
Senate Bill 157 ultimately passed through committee on Tuesday. Former Metro Councilperson Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville, voted against the bill. As did State Sen. Matthew Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, who served on the Elizabethtown city council when its pet store ordinance passed.