KY Senate Committee passes retail pet store measure

Legislative Research Commission

Sen. Robin L. Webb, D-Grayson, speaks Tuesday on behalf of Senate Bill 157. Next to her is Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer.Photo byLRC Public Information

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 13, 2024) — The Senate Agriculture Committee approved legislation Tuesday that would limit the jurisdiction of local governments over retail pet stores.

Senate Bill 157 would prevent counties and municipalities in Kentucky from adopting or enforcing regulations, codes or ordinances that prohibit retail pet shops from operating. However, the shops would still need to follow certain rules outlined in the legislation.

First, pet shops could not sell dogs or cats unless those animals were obtained from a shelter or a qualified breeder. Also, shops could not sell a dog or cat that is younger than eight weeks old or sell a dog or cat to anyone under the age of 18.

Sponsored by Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, the legislation passed out of committee with an 8-2 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

One supporter, Elizabeth Kunzelman, vice president of legislative and public affairs for Petland, testified that the business has operated in Kentucky for 36 years. However, a ban in Louisville recently prevented a franchisee from opening a puppy store there, and a similar proposal in Lexington has raised concerns, she said.

“Our store has been there for less than two years,” Kunzelman said. “We have financial investment. We have resources. We have employees. We have made a considerable investment there.”

Testifying against the measure was Councilwoman Marilyn Parker from the Louisville-Jefferson County Metro Council. She said the bill would circumvent legislation passed by council.

A federal audit from 2021 “determined that they do not have the manpower or the resources to be able to monitor the humane treatment of animals in these types of breeding situations and selling situations,” she said.

Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville, voted against the bill and said Louisville voters have already spoken on this issue through their locally elected leaders.

“It makes me nervous when this body starts passing sweeping laws that undo things done by local government, and for that reason, I’m a no today,” she said.

However, Sen. Robin L. Webb, D-Grayson, said there are bad actors in every industry, and she voted for the measure.

“The answer to this issue is a well-regulated free market, and certainly, these bans don’t work. Four percent of the animals in this country come from retail pet stores. Four percent,” she said.

Webb said some people are for doing away with legitimate breeds and the legitimate use of sporting animals and police animals.

“Don’t buy in to the propaganda because that’s what it is. A ban will not solve anything. Do your research. Don’t rely on a story. Just do your research,” she said.