Missouri pet shop bill would take a bite out of local control

Some U.S. cities and states have banned the sale of pet shop animals. 

The Missouri House of Representatives has passed Neosho State Representative Ben Baker’s bill that aims to block such bans. 

“This is to address concerns from people in my district that have reputable businesses, whether it is the breeders in this industry or wholesalers in this industry that see these problems happening in other states. It’s really kind of preventative from Missouri. We haven’t seen real issues with this problem yet,” said Baker.

On the opposing side, a citizen named Amanda Pick says municipalities should be able to maintain their own control over business standards. 

A Senate committee is scheduled to hold a hearing next week on the bill.