Proposed Georgia bill targets backyard breeders and illegal pet sales

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Georgia lawmakers are pushing to crack down on illegal pet sales in the state.

A license is required for those selling more than one litter of puppies or 30 adult dogs in a year.

According to the proposed bill, individuals selling pets could face fines: $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and $500 for the third and subsequent offenses. Additionally, each animal sold would represent a separate offense.

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“There has been an overpopulation issue, and we are consistently at capacity,” said Courtney Pierce, executive director of Paws Humane Society in Columbus.

Georgia House Bill 331 would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and other animals in certain public locations such as roadsides, parking lots, flea markets and other outdoor spaces. The bill aims to prevent animal sales in public spaces and ensure more responsible animal transfers, potentially reducing animal abandonment.

“Our issue is overpopulation, and some of that does come from backyard breeding,” said Pierce.

Paws Humane Society has more than 300 animals in their care, with 200 housed at the shelter and an additional 100 in foster care, all waiting for their forever homes.

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The bill’s sponsor, Representative Joseph Gullett of District 19 near Atlanta, released a statement saying, “This bill protects the welfare of animals and promotes responsible adoption practices by prohibiting the transfer of dogs and cats.”

Columbus animal advocates believe this bill will help lower the number of homeless animals.

“Some of these animals end up at the animal shelter, resulting in overcrowded conditions because too many people are breeding dogs. We hope this bill will take away the ability of some of those folks to sell the animals they are breeding,” said advocate Allie Johnson.