Rep. Grim Hosts Press Conference Regarding Introduction of House Bill 443

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) and Cassie Bloomfield, Lucas County Canine Care & Control (LC4) Outreach Coordinator today hosted a press conference at LC4 to discuss the introduction of House Bill (HB) 443. This legislation will repeal the preemption of state supervision over dog sales in pet stores. Rep. Grim also visited local dog shelters to better understand the harmful effects of the puppy mill pipeline. 

“I am honored to stand with stakeholders and organizers who know the true cost of the unchecked puppy mill pipeline. Government agencies and organizations such as LC4, rescues, and humane societies take in the dogs who have been left behind by Petland’s irresponsible, unchecked practices. Now, more than ever, legislative action should be taken against the puppy mill pipeline,” said Rep. Grim.

This bipartisan legislation would repeal section 956.23 of the Ohio Revised Code, which stops localities from regulating the sale of puppies in pet stores. This pet store preemption law was passed in 2016 at the request of Petland—a controversial, Ohio-based, puppy-selling pet store chain—so they would no longer face local regulation. It voided a Grove City ordinance that would have stopped a Petland store from selling commercially raised puppies.

Seven states and nearly 500 localities across the nation prohibit the sale of commercially raised puppies in pet stores, Ohio continues to protect puppy mills and their pet store sales outlets. HB 443 will right this wrong by allowing localities in our state to crack down on pet stores that operate in an inhumane or deceptive manner.

House Bill 443 awaits assignment to a House Committee.