Maryland Puppy Shops Sue State Attorney General

By The Law Offices of Ruben and Ruben

On August 23, 2019, several puppy shops in Maryland sued the state’s attorney general in federal court, claiming the “No More Puppy-Mill Pups Act†is unconstitutional due to discriminating against interstate commerce from breeders who live out of state.

According to the federal Commerce Clause, Congress has the authority to manage commerce involving multiple states. The law is supposed to go into effect on January 1, 2020.

Signed by Governor Larry Hogan on April 24, 2018, the “puppy mill law†bars Maryland puppy shops from buying dogs from out-of-state breeders. Store owners fear the ban will put them out of business and believe the claims made by animal welfare organizations that pet stores are one of the main reasons for the expansion of puppy mills.

Many pet stores only purchase puppies from breeders who have met federal regulations and undergone quality inspections. However, the ban may open the market to unregulated sources, making consumers vulnerable to scams and fraud.

At the Law Office of Ruben and Ruben, our business law team understands that Maryland’s puppy mill law. If this law affects you, your business or your purchase of a puppy please contact our office immediately.

For more information about the Maryland puppy mill law, contact us today at (240) 641-8572.