Bill > HB1011

This bill, titled the "Pistol the Pomeranian Protection Act," aims to end the sale and transfer of dogs and cats by pet stores and brokers in Colorado, effective January 1, 2028, to combat cruelty in commercial breeding facilities, often called puppy mills, and protect consumers from deceptive practices. A "broker" is defined as someone who, for profit, sells, leases, or otherwise transfers ownership of a pet animal bred by another person, though this definition excludes individuals who transfer no more than three single pet animals per year. While pet stores will be prohibited from selling these animals, they can still provide space for dogs and cats to be displayed for adoption by licensed animal shelters or pet animal rescues, provided the pet store doesn't receive a fee and the animals are sterilized. The bill also prohibits brokers from selling or transferring dogs or cats, with several exceptions, including sales to governmental agencies, service animals, animals from shelters or rescues, dogs bred for lawful hunting by licensed individuals, sales by the original breeder, and transfers by health-related research facilities.