COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Two bills introduced in the Ohio House would ban financing for pet purchases and allow local governments to regulate the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores.
House Bills 620 and 621, introduced by Reps. Lauren McNally, D-Youngstown, and Michele Grim, D-Toledo, are backed by the nonprofit Humane World for Animals.
House Bill 620 would prohibit pet stores from offering financing for the purchase of dogs and cats. Supporters say the measure is intended to protect consumers from high-interest loans and unexpected costs when pets develop health problems.
House Bill 621 would repeal Ohio’s current law preventing cities and villages from regulating or banning retail puppy sales, restoring local authority over pet store regulations.
Supporters say the legislation would help protect consumers, reduce puppy mill sales, and give communities more control over pet store policies.
Ohio’s current law was enacted in 2016 after several municipalities, including Toledo and Grove City, approved ordinances restricting the sale of commercially bred dogs and cats in pet stores.
Petland, which supported the 2016 law, previously argued that regulated pet stores provide consumers with healthier animals than unregulated online sellers. The company did not comment on the new legislation.
Both bills are awaiting their first hearing in the Ohio House Agriculture Committee.
