(The Center Square) – Going to a local flea market to buy a kitten or puppy from the back of a truck in Georgia won’t happen anymore, not legally at least.
A new law will end the practice of selling pets at flea markets, roadsides and even the parking lots of local shopping centers on Tuesday.
Animal-rights groups said House Bill 331 would curb the exploitation of pets.
“Puppy mills frequently sell on roadsides and parking lots to prevent the public from seeing the oftentimes cruel and dire conditions these pets are bred in,” said Laura Donahue, senior director of advocacy and network partners at the Best Friends Animal Society, in a release.
The penalty for individuals is $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second and $500 for the third. Corporations will receive harsher punishments if convicted – $1,000 for each violation and 200 to 500 hours of community service.
Georgians who want to give away animals for free can still do that. Sales in private homes or places like veterinarian’s offices are also still legal, according to the bill.
Gov. Brian Kemp also signed a bill that would include household pets in domestic violence restraining orders.
“When pets are included in protective order petitions, individuals are more likely to seek relief from intimate partner violence, promptly, without the fear of endangering themselves or their cherished pets,” the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault said in a statement posted on Facebook.
House Bill 177 also takes effect Tuesday.
