On May 9, 2025, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill banning the sale of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits on roadsides, parking lots, parks, flea markets, fairs, and other outdoor areas, according to local news.
This legislation could potentially reduce the number of animals surrendered to overcrowded shelters and curtail or prevent the operations of backyard breeders, puppy mills, and unlicensed sellers who put profit ahead of animal welfare.
“These individuals do not allow people to come to where these dogs live because they don’t want anyone to see where these animals live, because they’re living in deplorable, substandard conditions for anything that’s alive,” said Representative Beth Camp, one of the bill’s sponsors.
Violators of the law may be fined up to $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for any additional offense. Corporations could face even heftier penalties.
However, breeders will still be allowed to sell the above animals in residences, businesses, veterinary offices, agricultural exhibitions, and law enforcement facilities.
Still, by banning these sales in high-traffic outdoor locations, the law should prevent impulse purchases and ensure greater oversight, which will hopefully reduce the chances of animals being neglected, abandoned, and abused.
“I backed the roadside sales element because every Georgians’ pet deserves a safe and loving home,” Camp said. “By ending roadside and parking lot sales, we’re protecting our neighbors, our families, and our community’s most vulnerable animals.”
Lady Freethinker is grateful for the Georgia lawmakers and advocates who supported this critical legislation, and we hope to see other states follow their lead.
