The Humane Society of the Southeast

07/04/2026

03/02/2026

Dogs sold out of the back of trucks. Puppies lined up in wire cages in parking lots. Handwritten signs at flea markets promising purebred deals. For years, this has been a common sight in parts of Georgia. Many of those animals come from large scale breeding operations known as puppy mills. These facilities are often criticized for overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of proper medical care.

Georgia has now taken action. Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 331 into law. The new law bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in public spaces such as parking lots, sidewalks, parks, roadsides, and flea markets. Lawmakers say these pop up style sales are difficult to regulate and often linked to irresponsible breeding operations.

This law does not ban all pet sales in Georgia. Licensed breeders and regulated businesses can still operate under state rules. What it targets are the quick cash, temporary setups where animals are sold with little accountability. Supporters argue that these sales create a pipeline that allows puppy mills to move animals across state lines and into neighborhoods with almost no oversight.

Families are often the ones who pay the price. A puppy may look healthy at first. Weeks later, serious health issues appear. Vet bills stack up. In some cases, the animal does not survive. Rescue groups say they see this pattern again and again.

Animal welfare advocates believe this new law helps protect both pets and people. By shutting down public sales in unregulated spaces, the state is narrowing the path for large scale breeding operations to sell directly to consumers. It also gives law enforcement clearer authority to intervene when illegal sales happen in public areas.

Across the United States, more communities are taking steps to address concerns around puppy mills and unregulated breeding. Georgia’s move adds to that growing trend. Supporters say it sends a message that animals are not products to be sold out of parking lots.

For many Americans who see pets as family, this law represents something simple but meaningful. A step toward better standards. A step toward accountability. And a step toward reducing the flow of animals raised in questionable conditions into loving homes.

References:

- Best Friends... Georgia Passes New Law to Shut Down Puppy Mill Pipeline
- Greater Good... Georgia Shuts Down Roadside Pet Sales to Fight Cruel Breeding

07/22/2025

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07/03/2025

What rescue is all about 🥰

06/30/2025

* Check your locality for laws on pet awareness *

Summer temperatures are here! How can you help a distressed dog trapped inside a locked, hot car?

Georgia law allows a law enforcement officer to break into a vehicle to save an animal and receive immunity from a civil lawsuit for damages.

TAKE ACTION:
1. Call 911.
2. Stay on the scene to direct the law enforcement officer to the vehicle.
3. Be prepared to show a copy of the law, Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 35-1-7.
(Some officers may not be aware that this law passed in 2019.)

Take a screenshot of the law below and save it on your phone; or print a hard copy and keep it in your wallet or car.

O.C.G.A. § 35-1-7: Liability of law enforcement officers performing duties at the scene of an emergency
(a) As used in this Code section, the term:
(1) "Emergency" means an occurrence involving, or appearing to involve, a clear and imminent danger or threat to life, health, or property, including, but not limited to, the rescuing of a person or pet from a locked vehicle when such person or pet remaining within such vehicle presents a clear and imminent danger to such person's or pet's life or health.
(2) "Law enforcement officer" means any peace officer who is employed by this state or any political subdivision thereof and who is required by the terms of his or her employment, whether by election or appointment, to give his or her full time to the preservation of public order or the protection of life and property or the prevention of crime. Such term shall include sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.
(3) "Pet" means any domesticated animal normally maintained in or near the household of its owner.
(b) A law enforcement officer shall not be liable at law for any action or actions done while performing any duty at the scene of an emergency except for gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or malfeasance.