COLUMBUS — An Ohio panel is continuing to review a proposal to override local ordinances that regulate pet stores.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee added the idea to an unrelated tax measure last week. It heard testimony Wednesday.
Grove City’s council members voted in March to require pet stores to purchase animals from shelters and rescue groups. The ordinance would block stores from getting animals from high-volume breeders, which critics say are often “puppy mills” that treat animals poorly. It’s slated to take effect on Jan. 1.
Toledo also bars the sale of dogs by retailers unless obtained through shelters and rescue groups.
House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger says the amendment needs more vetting and maybe its own separate bill.
The Senate committee had inserted the idea into a House bill.
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