The proposed bill, General Assembly Committee Bill No. 6240, aims to enhance the health and welfare of animals sold at pet stores by amending existing regulations. Key changes include the requirement for pet shop licensees to provide a certificate of origin for any dog sold, detailing the breeder's information and ensuring that this information is visible to customers. Additionally, the bill prohibits pet shops from purchasing dogs or cats from breeders or sellers who do not hold a current license or have committed violations related to animal health and welfare within a specified seven-year period.

The bill also introduces a reporting requirement for the Commissioner of Agriculture, mandating an annual report to the General Assembly on the origins of animals sold by pet shops and any violations of the new provisions. Notably, the bill extends the timeframe for considering violations from two years to seven years and modifies the language regarding the nature of violations to include both direct and indirect violations. Violations of these provisions could result in fines of up to one thousand dollars per incident, with each day of non-compliance counted as a separate offense. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.