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Dogs Cats Colorado pets birds animal sales legislation

HELP STOP Colorado House Bill 25-1180, titled "Prohibiting Pet Animal Sales in Public Spaces"

Colorado House Bill 25-1180, titled "Prohibiting Pet Animal Sales in Public Spaces," has progressed through the House and is currently under consideration in the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, which is scheduled to hold a hearing on April 3, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Senate Committee Room 352.

It is important to note that amendments have been made to the bill to address some concerns. For instance, exemptions were added for pet owners, breeders, handlers, or trainers transporting animals to or from events sanctioned by nationally recognized organizations, and for hunting dogs bred or trained for lawful hunting.

Additionally, discussions have clarified that pre-arranged sales with an agreed-upon meeting place in a public area are not intended to be prohibited by this legislation. These amendments aim to balance the bill's objectives with the interests of lawful animal owners and breeders.​

Despite recent amendments that attempt to address concerns from responsible & lawful animal owners and breeders, Colorado House Bill 25-1180 remains a fundamentally flawed piece of legislation that should be stopped.

While exemptions have been added for certain categories—such as those transporting animals for sanctioned events and hunting dogs—these revisions do not resolve the broader problems the bill creates for law-abiding breeders, pet owners, and small businesses.

Key Reasons to Oppose HB 25-1180:

  1. Government Overreach & Unnecessary Restrictions

    • The bill unnecessarily expands government control over the sale and transfer of animals, infringing on the rights of responsible breeders, sellers, and pet owners.

    • Even with amendments, it places undue restrictions on lawful transactions that have long taken place in public spaces without issue.

  2. Vague & Subjective Enforcement

    • While the bill’s supporters claim that "pre-arranged sales" in public places will not be prohibited, the language is still too vague and open to interpretation.

    • Law enforcement and regulators could still misapply the law, leading to unfair penalties for responsible sellers simply meeting customers in common, neutral locations.

  3. Burden on Law-Abiding Breeders & Small Businesses

    • Many reputable breeders and animal businesses rely on public spaces (such as parking lots) as safe and convenient meeting points for animal transfers.

    • By limiting these options, HB 25-1180 disproportionately impacts small-scale breeders and responsible sellers who do not have storefronts.

  4. Encouraging Unregulated, Underground Sales

    • Restricting where people can responsibly sell animals will push transactions into unmonitored spaces, making it harder to ensure animal welfare.

    • Rather than increasing protections, this law risks fueling illicit and unregulated sales, which lack oversight and transparency.

  5. Existing Laws Already Address Animal Welfare Concerns

    • Colorado already has comprehensive animal welfare regulations, including licensing requirements under the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA).

    • Instead of passing redundant laws that hurt responsible businesses, enforcement of existing laws should be prioritized to target bad actors.

  6. Sets a Dangerous Precedent for Future Bans

    • Even with the amendments, this bill creates a precedent for future restrictions on how, where, and when animals can be sold or transferred.

    • Activist groups could push for expansions of this law, ultimately leading to greater restrictions on lawful breeding and animal enterprises.

While amendments have addressed some concerns, HB 25-1180 remains unnecessary, harmful, and restrictive to responsible animal owners and businesses. The bill’s vague language, excessive government overreach, and unintended consequences make it a serious threat to law-abiding breeders, sellers, and pet owners.

Please take one minute from your day to send an email to EACH MEMBER of the Colorado State Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee to oppose this bill to protect the rights of responsible animal enterprises and ensure that unnecessary regulations do not harm legitimate businesses and individuals.

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