https://www.humaneworld.org/us/en/blog/ending-puppy-mill-pipeline-denver-union-city
“Adopt, Don’t Shop! Good news for dogs and cats in Denver and Union City speaks to a larger truth. Denver is the 26th city in Colorado alone to ban the retail sale of dogs and cats. Across the U.S., 513 localities have enacted humane pet shop ordinances. Denver’s new law also means that 15 of the 20 largest cities in the nation no longer allow pet stores to sell puppy mill puppies. “
In a significant victory for animal welfare, the Denver City Council passed an ordinance on September 15 that prohibits pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. While the measure still requires Mayor Mike Johnston's signature to become law, the decision sends a strong message:
Denver is committed to ending the harmful practice of puppy mills. Although no pet stores in the city currently sell these animals, the ordinance serves as a proactive step to prevent future retail breeding operations.
This move is backed by the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance, which includes the Denver Animal Shelter, Humane Colorado, and over 20 other rescue organizations. Their collective aim is to keep animals out of inhumane breeding facilities, while encouraging adoption over the retail sale of pets. Puppy mills are notorious for subjecting animals to overcrowded, unsanitary conditions with minimal veterinary care, all in the name of profit. By cutting off one of the mills’ main sources of income—pet stores—this new policy directly targets the heart of the issue.
Advocates are now urging other cities to follow Denver’s example, especially amid the ongoing shelter crisis. Each year, nearly one million animals are euthanized due to overpopulation, a direct result of irresponsible breeding and insufficient spay/neuter efforts. Instead of supporting the breeding industry, cities can encourage pet stores to collaborate with shelters, offering adoptable animals as a far more compassionate and sustainable alternative. The message is clear: Adopt, Don’t Shop!
*At Whiskers, Paws and Love®, we believe every pet deserves a loving home, free from the cruelty of puppy mills and overcrowded shelters. We stand firmly with Denver in promoting adoption as the only true path to ending the cycle of overbreeding and animal suffering.
By supporting local rescues and partnering with shelters, we can give countless animals a second chance at life and happiness.
Together, we can create a world where compassion leads the way - one adoption at a time.
