HARRISBURG, PA – February 19, 2026 − Senator James Andrew Malone (D-36, Lancaster) today announced he has introduced legislation, Senate Bill 1190, to reduce market demand for puppy mills by establishing humane pet retail standards. As a companion bill to State Representative Jeanne McNeill’s House Bill 1816, the legislation would end the issuance of permits for pet retail facilities that acquire dogs, cats, and rabbits from high-volume commercial breeders.
Puppy mills are inhumane, high-volume commercial breeding facilities that frequently prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Many pets born in puppy mills have congenital and acquired medical issues that can last a lifetime, imposing unexpected veterinary costs on owners and overwhelming the shelter system.
SB 1190/HB 1816 would help protect families purchasing pets and support responsible breeders and shelters who already meet high standards of care.
“Pennsylvania, and Lancaster specifically, have a puppy mill problem,” said Senator Malone. “These facilities are forcing dogs to breed under inhumane conditions. They’re overwhelming the shelter system and producing dogs that often have genetic and other health issues, which are costly and devastating for owners. Rep. McNeill’s legislation is a common-sense way to reduce the market demand for these inhumane operations by encouraging pet retail stores to source their puppies and other pets from reputable breeders and shelters. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will join me in supporting this legislation, so we can get it passed swiftly in both chambers.”
Pennsylvania ranked among the top four states in the Humane World for Animals’ 2025 Horrible Hundred report. The report warns customers about common problems at puppy mills, including sickly or emaciated dogs, animals exposed to extreme heat or cold, and dirty kennels. The 2025 report cites two puppy mills in Lancaster County.
SB 1190/HB 1816 would align Pennsylvania law with eight states and 500 localities in the U.S. with similar laws, including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Allentown, Easton and Wilkinsburg.
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