Colorado’s Major Win in the Fight Against Puppy Mills

• A new law ends the sale of dogs and cats in Colorado pet stores and through third-party sellers.
• When the new law goes into effect in January 2028, Colorado will join states including New York and California that have passed similar laws to stop inhumane pet sales practices.
• Puppies sold in pet stores and through online retailers will no longer be trucked into Colorado from out-of-state commercial breeding facilities, known as puppy mills.

Big news for dogs, cats and the people who love them: Colorado Governor Jared Polis has officially signed the Pistol the Pomeranian Protection Act into law! The bill prohibits pet stores statewide from selling cruelly bred dogs and cats, while ensuring that Coloradans who want to acquire a new a pet can still work directly with responsible breeders or adopt from a shelter or rescue. It also stops brokers from moving dogs or cats through the resale pipeline.

“Colorado has a reputation for being one of the most dog-friendly states, and with the passage of this bill, we have joined the growing number of states that are rejecting inhumane pet sales practices, reflecting the deep compassion Coloradans have for animals and preventing cruel commercial breeders from profiting off our state’s consumers,” said Sabrina Pacha, ASPCA director of state legislation for the Mountain West region.

We are grateful to House Majority Leader Monica Duran, Representative Karen McCormick, Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez and Senator Dylan Roberts for their leadership on the bill, and we are thrilled Governor Polis signed it into law so quickly.

The new law goes into effect January 2028. Colorado will join states like New York and California in passing similar protections, reflecting a growing national push to end retail sales of cruelly bred pets.

Colorado Shuts the Door on Puppy Mill Cruelty

Colorado’s new law effectively cuts off the state’s participation in the horrific puppy mill pipeline.

To understand the impact of this legislation, it’s important to know what puppy mills are. Puppies sold in pet stores and through online retailers are trucked into Colorado from out-of-state commercial breeding facilities, known as puppy mills, that house hundreds of dogs in overcrowded, unsanitary cages, prioritizing profit over the wellbeing of the animals.

In these operations, dogs are bred repeatedly while suffering from inadequate care, frequently resulting in disease, behavioral issues and even death. These operations exploit animals and consumers, who face steep veterinary bills and profound heartbreak after unknowingly purchasing sick pets.

By shutting down the puppy mill pipeline, states are taking a decisive stand against inhumane pet sourcing and exploitative pet sales.

What You Can Do

1. Wherever you live, you can join the fight to end puppy mill cruelty by becoming a member of the ASPCA Puppy Mill Action Team. We’ll send you the latest news and ways you can take action for dogs and cats today.
2. Use our easy online form to urge Congress to support Goldie’s Act, federal legislation that will help improve protections for dogs suffering in puppy mills.
3. Become a Regional Advocacy Field Team volunteer and collaborate with the ASPCA to drive meaningful legislative change for animals.