Maryland’s new law banning the sale of dogs and cats in retail stores withstood constitutional challenges by pet stores and others, as a federal court in the state said Maryland’s animal protection goal was a rational basis for the “puppy mill” act.
“Protecting consumers, reducing financial support for mill breeders, and encouraging pet adoption are indisputably legitimate state interests,” the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland said Feb. 7.
The act took effect Jan. 1. It prohibits retail sales but expresses the Legislature’s desire to encourage pet stores to showcase animals from local breeders and animal welfare organizations. ...