NEW HAMPSHIRE RESOLUTION TO STOP THE PUPPY MILL PIPELINE
By petition of 25 or more eligible voters of the town of Hampton, to see if the town will go on record opposing the retail sales of dogs and cats in pet stores in the town. This resolution is necessary because the majority of dogs and cats sold in pet stores are sourced from large-scale, inhumane commercial breeding facilities commonly called “puppy mills”. The record of vote shall be transmitted by written notice from the selectmen to the town’s state legislators and to the Governor of New Hampshire.
What it means: This Article is requesting the Town of Hampton to go on record with the State of NH opposing the retail sales of dogs and cats. Hampton does not currently host any stores that sell live animals (only pet supplies). This action would augment a state-wide effort against such retail outlets for the reasons stated.
Those in favor say: Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations. With irresponsible and often unregulated breeding practices, they produce traumatized dogs and cats who are vulnerable to infectious and genetic diseases. Puppy Mills exist to sell to pet stores. Nationally, there is a move to stop the inhumane treatment by preventing pet stores from operating. Families wanting such pets can acquire them from shelters or from responsible breeders. Other NH towns are also considering such legislation, and neighboring states have already enacted restrictive regulations. Approval of this Article would help to send a message to other locales that inhumane treatment of animals should not be allowed to persist. A comment was made that this does not affect retail stores that sell supplies for pets, nor does it affect retail stores that showcase shelter animals (but do not sell their own).
Those against say: No one spoke against this Article at Deliberative Session.
Fiscal impact: There is no taxpayer cost associated with this Article.
THIS IS THE LAST ARTICLE ON THE TOWN BALLOT FOR 2022.