- Georgia House Bill 331 is effective July 1
- It makes it illegal to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits in public spaces.
- Watch the video to see why Valdosta rescuers back the bill.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
A bill signed into law by the Georgia governor bans roadside pet sales. Here in Valdosta, local rescuers are calling it a long-overdue win for animals and the people who love them.
Georgia House Bill 331 takes effect July 1. It makes selling dogs, cats, and rabbits in public spaces illegal. That includes parks, flea markets, and parking lots—longtime hotspots for inhumane breeding practices.
Laura Donahue with Best Friends Animal Society says it's a crucial step toward breaking the cycle.
"Puppy mills frequently sell on roadsides and parking lots to prevent the public from seeing the oftentimes cruel and dire conditions these pets are bred in."
Locally, it could be a game-changer. Tara Parker, a longtime Valdosta rescuer, has seen the damage firsthand—and while she says the bill is just a start, it's the right one.
"And it is going to ban the public sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits. And so it is a first tiny step in what we need to do to stop Georgia's overpopulation."
But Parker says enforcement alone isn't enough. Backyard breeders are still operating—often online—and she wants Georgia to catch up to states with stronger protections.
"So we'd really like for us to focus on the health and well-being and just basic common-sense things that other states do have tackled this problem."
For Parker, it's more than policy—it's a personal calling.
"I care about humans, but there's a unique quality about the innocence of animals in need, and so I've just been drawn to that."
TAIL:
With House Bill 331 becoming law, advocates hope it paves the way for more humane legislation—and a kinder Georgia. I'm Malia Thomas, reporting for ABC27.
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.
