Victory For Animals: Colorado Bans The Sale Of Dogs And Cats In Pet Stores

Colorado has officially taken a major step forward for animal protection. Governor Jared Polis has signed the Transfers of Certain Pet Animals bill (HB26-1011), also known as the Pistol the Pomeranian Protection Act, into law. The legislation is aimed at shutting down the puppy mill pipeline and ending the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores across the state.

The legislation, sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran, Representative Karen McCormick, Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, and Senator Dylan Roberts, prohibits pet stores in Colorado from selling, leasing, auctioning, bartering, or otherwise transferring ownership of dogs and cats.

The bill signing ceremony also doubled as an adoption event, with Humane Colorado bringing rescue puppies looking for their forever homes.

“Colorado’s furry four-legged friends deserve loving homes. We are stopping the harmful overbreeding of dogs and cats in terrible conditions in the puppy mill industry, and encourage Coloradans to adopt, not shop, or purchase from a legitimate breeder. I am grateful to the sponsors of this bill for standing up for these animals, helping them find a forever home in our Colorado for all,” said Governor Polis.

“By signing this bill into law today, we are making it clear that Colorado is a place where compassion, dignity, and transparency matter. Thank you to the sponsors of this bill, especially Majority Leader Duran, for tirelessly championing this work for the past 8 years to put an end to puppy mill cruelty and ensuring that everyone in Colorado is protected. With this historic law on the books, we reaffirm that in Colorado, we love and care for our furry friends and family as much as they love and care for us,” said First Gentleman Marlon Reis.

Majority Leader Monica Duran, who has long advocated for stronger protections against puppy mills, said the legislation represents a major victory for animals and pet owners alike.

“Since I was elected I’ve worked hard to promote animal welfare and close the puppy mill pipeline. Promoting the health of our pets and protecting consumers has been the primary goal of this bill. The Pistol the Pomeranian Protection Act, named after my beloved puppy mill survivor, will take a monumental step forward by ending the cruel practice of selling dogs and cats in stores for profit,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran.

Governor Jared Polis also signed the Access to Veterinary Care bill (HB26-1198) into law. The legislation was sponsored by Representatives Karen McCormick and Ty Winter, along with Senators Lisa Cutter and Rod Pelton.

The new law is designed to help expand access to veterinary care across Colorado by allowing veterinarians to prescribe certain medications in house and by creating a donation program for unused prescribed pet medications that can be donated to veterinary practices or animal shelters.

“This new law will help expand access to veterinary care by breaking down barriers for veterinarians to be able to provide more services to clients, and help more Coloradans get the care their furry four-legged loved ones need in one place,” said Governor Polis.

World Animal News and Peace 4 Animals applaud Governor Jared Polis and all of the lawmakers behind these critical bills for taking meaningful action to protect animals and consumers across Colorado. By helping end the puppy mill pipeline and expanding access to veterinary care, the state is setting a powerful example of compassionate leadership and progress.

These landmark bills represent an important step toward a more humane future, one where animals are no longer treated as commodities for profit but as living beings deserving of protection, care, and respect.