LETTER: In support of H.567 limiting the sale of cats and dogs

February 28, 2024

To the Community: 

Vermont’s proposed legislation to prevent pet stores from peddling animals would put the brakes on cruel mass-breeding mills and help combat the animal overpopulation crisis.

With approximately 70 million homeless animals in the U.S., “responsible” breeding is a ridiculous concept. There is no such thing. Compounding the issue, breeders typically do not mandate sterilization for the animals they sell, creating the potential for even more unwanted animals.

Every animal sold by a pet store means that a homeless animal loses a chance at adoption and will remain in a shelter or on the streets, where they may starve or freeze to death, get hit by a car, be attacked by other animals or cruel people, or suffer and die of illness, injury, or infection.

I am hopeful that one day soon, no pet stores will sell animals, and instead focus on selling supplies like food, toys, and treats that make life better—not worse—for animals.

Sincerely,

Melissa Rae Sanger

The PETA Foundation

Norfolk, VA