Senate State, Veterans, & Military Affairs [Mar 24, 2026]

to order. Mr. Sayed, please call the roll.

Present.

Moore Wilson. Here. Sullivan. Here.

Senator Weissman. Thanks, Madam Chair and Committee, for hearing 1080 for today. Voters of the state pursuant to Article 5 of the Constitution are called upon through the exercise of the legislative power, through initiative, to make some very consequential decisions. Because of that, over the course of the last number of years, this legislature has either passed or invited the voters themselves to pass a couple of measures to add more information to that process through ballot titles and information in the Blue Book. When we are here debating legislation, we get fiscal notes, we have access to staff, we have a legislative process that goes on for many months in which we can come to the decisions. that we come to. Voters confronted with a ballot in November don't have as much of a time period, notwithstanding sending the ballots out a couple of weeks in advance, and don't have access to all the same kind of information that we do, although the Blue Book is a useful and important resource. So starting in 21, we undertook to add a little bit of information for tax-related measures to ballot titles. The voters themselves approved a referred measure in 22 to build a little bit on that for certain kinds of tax questions. What the prior work has not encompassed are substantial policy questions that might have a substantial fiscal impact, either in the way of obligating an expenditure or avoiding an expenditure to the state. So what 1084 seeks to do is plug into that framework build on some statutory language that we started laying down in 21 and simply add a little bit of information to the titles of some measures depending on the choices that people are trying to drive through initiative. Frankly, they may not intersect with what 1084 proposes. You'll notice kind of a de minimis exception as well, But where a measure would seek to incur or obligate or drive a substantial expenditure, there has to be a little bit of information or transparency bumped up to the surface, if you will, to the ballot title about how that goes. And it could possibly go the other way, too. So voters will still be able to vote yes or no on the many things that they are called to vote yes or no on. I think we know this year's ballot in particular is shaping up to be pretty complex. One could react to the information that will be added by this title by thinking that's a good thing, that's a bad thing, I don't care. Those choices belong to the voters. We just proposed to add a little bit more information. One last thing I want to note is what would be the applicability or the effective timing of this bill vis-a-vis our initiative process. You will notice on the last page we have the standard petition clause, thus if passed all the way through this chamber and signed by the governor we be taking effect in August That after all of the title setting is done for this year So anybody who already has a title and is circulating on it or is gearing up to circulate on it or is hoping to get a title net of rehearing and Supreme Court challenge and all of that is not going to be impacted by this. If it becomes law, and I hope it does, it would start for the 27-28 cycle. So I ask for your support. Thank you.

Thank you. Sponsors, members, any questions for the sponsors? Seeing none, we will move to the witness phase. Thank you both so much. Today for witnesses, we will have two minutes to testify and then five minutes from the panel to ask questions for all of the bills that we'll address today. For 1084, we will start off with a panel of against and amend. So if we can have Patty McKiernan, Nancy Eason, and Aaron Meshke. Aaron and Nancy are both online. Ma'am, if you could start us off here in person. You'll have two minutes. If you could just state your name and who you represent for the record.

Thank you. Next, we'll go to Nancy Eason.

Thank you so much. Before we go to questions, is there anyone else in the room who would like to testify in an amend or opposition posture?

Wonderful. Senator Zemore Wilson, questions?

So I think Ms. Eason did a very good job of spelling out some of the hurdles. I frankly did not have a lot of time to prepare for this hearing today, so I don't have a list of other hurdles. I'm just saying in general, I know what the citizens have to go through to get on the ballot. It's a lot of work. It took months and months and months of my time, and I actually retired from my full-time job so I could work on this to represent the citizens because the citizens have to work so hard to have our voices heard.

Thank you both so much for your time. Next, we'll call up Joshua Mantel and Peggy Leach. and is there anybody else in the room who would like to testify in support of the legislation? I think, perfect. Mr. Mantell, if you could start us off. Sir, you will have two minutes.

Thank you so much, sir. Now we'll go online to Ms. Leach. You could state your name and who you represent. You'll have two minutes.

thank you so much members members questions for this panel Mr. Mantel I was wondering we had propositions LL or the healthy school meals for all program brought up earlier I'm not sure how familiar you are with that program but I was wondering if you could help illuminate a little bit what happened between the first proposition when it first went, and if it really was that we were underfunding, or just illuminate how this might interplay with that, please, sir.

Thank you so much, sir. Another example that came to my mind is I've probably voted 10 times to help either the state or the county retain marijuana taxes for this exact same thing. It is a different lack of efficiency within Tabor that is not necessarily about our projections or not. It's about that we can't retain the funds that we collect as a state government and how that is also negatively contributing to our budget but is not necessarily the issue at hand. Oh, Senator, excuse me, Mr. Vice Chair. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Mr. Mantel, for being here.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. I appreciate the question. So, look, it is difficult to run a citizen initiative in this state, which is why when people say that all you need to do because of TABOR is to run an initiative, I kind of blanch at that, because it is not easy. It takes a lot of time, a lot of money, and a lot of people to be able to run it. I am part of a coalition right now that is working to put a graduate income tax on the ballot for 2026, and so I do have firsthand understanding of how difficult it can be to move these things. Look, elections cost money for the state, and if we're running statewide elections, those cost money, which is not to say that it's wasted money. I think elections are obviously a very important part of our democracy, and Citizen Initiative has been part of Colorado's constitution since its founding and is a very ingrained part of how we make policy in this state. But there is nothing that doesn't cost money. And I think understanding where these tradeoffs come from is really what this bill is getting at. And to this specific question that you asked, Mr. Vice Chair, it costs money to run elections just like it costs money to put something on the ballot. And so we're all trying to do our best to create the best policy that we can. and I think putting things onto the ballot so that people who have day jobs, have family responsibilities, do not have to dig and dig and dig to get the information that they need, but it's right there on their kitchen counter when they're putting their ballot together, I think would be really helpful for voters to really understand how this body works, how our budget works, and the types of decisions that need to be made in order to fund the programs that we all care about and we know are necessary for this state.

Thank you, Madam Chair and Committee. I think you've heard a pretty good laying out of the what and the how and the why. Just to reiterate, because we've had reference to a couple of specific measures, some of which are approved to go to the ballot, some of which are undergoing the signature process right now. Nothing about this bill changes how those are titled. We just came up on the deadline. There was a big rush of things going to the title board from all manner of ideological perspectives. Nothing about this bill changes how that's going to be sorted out either. We're really talking about the next cycle in 27 and 28. I also want to just reiterate for the record, it is a difficult process. You heard different perspectives talk to that. The number of signatures required to be obtained is constitutionally set. And then back in 2016, voters further amended the Constitution to make certain kinds of initiatives even harder by requiring not just that you get a certain number of signatures, but that you have 2% of the voters in each of 35 Senate districts, making people work harder. Nothing about this bill changes that one way or the other as to how is LCS to come up with the fiscal estimate. I mean, they do that already. You'll see stuff in the blue book. What we're trying to do is bump a little bit of that up more closely. You know, maybe I'll end with this story. Years ago, a friend of mine did some research and determined that to really fully maximally comprehend everything that we put in front of people in the blue book, you need a master's level education. Now, the irony of the story is that she did that research as her thesis for doing her master's in public policy over there at UC Denver. If you have a master's in policy, that's great, but you shouldn't need that to be able to really engage with this robust balloting process that we have in Colorado, where our initiative process is more fulsome than it is in a lot of other states. So in lieu of the difficulty and expense of all of that, we're just trying to lift a little bit more up to the surface in terms of how my proposed policy would intersect with the rest of the state's complicated, difficult budget. People can continue to make whatever choice they want to make. We ask for a yes vote.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I think it's eminently reasonable for voters to have the full context of the question that is before them when they're making those decisions. We're in a state that has a very open access to citizens' initiatives compared to the vast majority of other states. and I think if we in the legislature received a bill that said we should spend $200 million on K-12 education additionally, all of us would say great. I mean, we all want to spend money on K-12 education, but the question would be how do we fund that in our limited resources? And I think voters deserve that same context that we have as legislators when we're making decisions on priorities and what to fund, what not to fund, how to balance those priorities So it a pretty straightforward bill to give voters that context And you know I trust the voters across Colorado to make good informed decisions just like we do every day So I urge an aye vote. I think it's a good thing for the democratic process.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move House Bill 1084 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation.

Senators, Linstead.

No. Sullivan. Yes. Madam Chair. Aye.

is perfect.

Senator Lindstedt. Thank you, committee, for considering what I view as a small cleanup bill to the Traveling Animal Protection Act. In 2021, we prohibited the use of certain animals in traveling performances within law, and in that prohibition we had several legitimate exemptions for environmental education programs, I think like the zoo, conservation organizations, things like that. We left the term qualified individuals as undefined, and what that has done is created what I view as kind of a backdoor to allowing folks who should probably not have fallen underneath that exemption to claim the exemption in the Traveling Animal Protection Act. So what this bill does is it closes that loophole so that we can protect the intent of keeping animals out of places where they're providing entertainment and not education. So it's pretty simple. The initial bill excluded things like livestock, things like the stock show. I've had a couple questions about stuff like that from members. but it's a pretty clean cleanup bill to ensure that the Traveling Protection Act, Animal Protection Act is working as intended. So I ask for an aye vote.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, distinguished committee members. My name is Roland Halpert. I'm the Executive Director for Colorado Voters for Animals. As was just mentioned, back in 2001, we passed the Traveling Animal Protection Act to end the exploitation of wild, non-native animal species, such as lions, tigers, and elephants, from being forced to perform in circuses, roadside zoos, for the entertainment of the public. During the drafting process, we listened to stakeholders such as the Denver Zoo, the Wild Animal Sanctuary, and several large animal veterinarians who requested a carve-out to recognize that there can be legitimate purposes for exhibiting wild animals, provided it is truly educational and does not, in the language of the statute, quote, include any performance or behavior by an animal that does not naturally occur to that animal in a wild state, unquote. The carve-out also recognized, quote, industry standard husbandry practices for veterinary purposes, unquote. Unfortunately, as sometimes happens, a bad actor has been exploiting the carve-out, claiming his exhibiting of elephants at venues like the Larkspur Renaissance Fair are, quote, educational, unquote. This, despite the fact photographs and videos provided to experts in the field of elephant behavior, resulted in their opinions his elephants were being forced to perform tricks and behaviors, which they personally had never observed in the wild. This bill simply closes the loophole. It says that educational exhibiting of wild animals can only be conducted by institutions that have been accredited nationally and globally by recognized organizations that require rigorous animal welfare standards to be met as a condition of accreditation. We even added an amendment, L-001, to make it crystal clear this bill does not affect livestock, it does not affect the rodeo, it does not affect county fairs, nor does it affect 4-H clubs. It simply closes a loophole that allows unscrupulous actors to evade the law. If we are serious about enacting laws, we should be serious about enforcing them. I would ask for a unanimous yes vote and move this to the consent calendar.

Hi, my name is Ellen Kessler. I'm speaking for myself, but I'm a former board member of Colorado Humane Society. I testified when this bill was first introduced a few years ago. I spoke about Tyke, a female elephant who was taken from her family when she was very young. She was flown to the United States, where for the next 21 years she was hauled around the country, chained for up to 22 hours a day, and repeatedly beaten to make her perform unnatural tricks through fear, deprivation, and violence. all for human entertainment and profit. Her final show ended abruptly when she went on a rampage in Honolulu, killing her trainer and severely injuring her groomer. She managed to escape and run through the city streets before she was gunned down by local police in front of news crews and horrified onlookers, including children. She collapsed. after receiving 87 bullets and blood to death over the course of the next two hours. She was still wearing her tiara. Her body was tossed in the landfill. Wild animals do not belong in cages, and they should never be exploited and abused for human entertainment, but places like Colorado's Renaissance Festival believe otherwise. It was only the threat of a lawsuit that made them reluctantly back off Today bill will close the loopholes found in the original bill We can save them all but we can stop festivals who want to bring animal entertainment to Colorado This bill will put a positive spotlight on Colorado, telling the world that animal abuse is not acceptable here in any form or shape. Please say yes to HB 1133.

Yes. Good afternoon, members of the committee. My name is Aubyn Royal, and I am the Colorado State Director for Humane World for Animals, formerly called Humane Society of the United States. I'm so excited that you guys are hearing this bill today, so thank you for the opportunity to support HB 1133. This bill will make Colorado a more humane and safer state by improving Colorado's existing law intended to prohibit certain animals and traveling animal acts. Existing Colorado law prohibits any person from using certain animals, including elephants, tigers, bears, and primates, as part of a performance. The law was intended to prohibit animal acts that shows, such as circuses and other similar traveling animal acts, and includes a number of common sense exemptions. One exemption for environmental education programs has unfortunately become a loophole that has allowed entities to circumvent state law and continue to perform with prohibited wild animals, such as elephants, in Colorado. To address this, the bill clarifies which types of entities may qualify as an environmental education program under the law. HB 1133 is a modest update to existing state law that clarifies enforcement and allows the law to move closer towards having its intended effect. Humane World welcomes this common sense improvement to Section 33.126 of CRS, and we look forward to continuing to work with the legislature to improve and ensure strong enforcement of this important state law. Thank you.

Thank you, Chair Wallace and members of the committee. Wendy Padilla, Deputy Executive Director with the Department of Natural Resources. House Bill 1133 is designed to help provide greater animal welfare assurances for traveling animals by addressing potential loopholes with the existing Traveling Animal Protection Act. Specifically, the bill adds new requirements to ensure that traveling animals used in the state of Colorado by professionals for environmental education purposes meet well-established accreditation standards. The existing act, which was codified into Colorado statute in 2021, prohibits certain animals from being used in traveling animal acts while exempting acts used for environmental education purposes as formally permitted by the state. As the entity responsible for permitting traveling animal exhibits under the existing statute, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has permitted less than 10 non-resident environmental education purposes annually. The bill will retain the existing process for CPW permitting authority and processes without driving a significant new workload for CPW staff. We appreciate the many conversations with bill sponsors and bill advocates to arrive at the current version of the bill that reflects a targeted approach for ensuring animal welfare standards are met as animals are used for environmental education purposes in the state.

Thank you, Madam Chair. House Bill 1133 is pretty simple. It's cleaning up a loophole that was unintended. So I ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I move House Bill 1133 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation.

Sanders, Linstead

Pelton R

Samoa Wilson

Sullivan

Madam Chair

Thank you, Madam Chair. And maybe before we really go into discussions, is PACFA on the list to testify?

I would like them to be here if we could.

Thank you, Madam Chair. When the sponsors were contemplating this bill, when you went out to pet stores and to breeders, what did you find?

Thank you, Madam Chair. And does this bill address anything about the shelter dogs, the rescue dogs that are coming in from out of state?

Senator Poulton. And so there's some other local governments that have instituted some policies to, you know, kind of around puppy mills and this sort of thing. Were any pet stores closed down because of those localities coming up with policy?

Senator Peltin? One final one. Kittens are mentioned in this bill also. What can you state about, are there reports about kittens and cats?

this afternoon. My name is Sabrina Pacha. I'm the state legislative director for the ASPCA here in Colorado. We are here today in strong support of House Bill 26-1011. It is simply an indisputable fact that retail stores and brokers source the puppies they sell from out-of-state commercial breeding facilities, or what most call puppy mills, where the conditions are abysmal. Federal records prove this. No hopeful pet owner would ever knowingly purchase dogs or cats from conditions like these, and so the industry relies on deception, utilizing a pipeline of middlemen called brokers to sell their puppies to the unsuspecting public at retail stores or online. And despite the state's attempts at increased regulations and attempts at transparency at these stores, Colorado continues to see thousands of dogs being imported from these puppy mills and sold at retail stores or online through brokers. Rather than supporting a cruel puppy mill industry, Colorado law should protect our consumers and our pets and instead support local shelters, rescues, and our responsible breeders here in Colorado and across the nation. This bill is a proven and comprehensive approach to achieve that. The bill ends the sale of dogs and cats by third-party sellers, specifically at retail stores and through brokers. And the bill defines a broker as anyone who sells a dog for profit that they did not breed. And as mentioned by the bill sponsors, we have worked very closely with stakeholders to ensure that good actors are not impacted by this piece. With passage of this bill, consumers can work directly with responsible breeders or adopt from a shelter or rescue, putting an end to the deceptive puppy mill pipeline in our state that harms consumers and pets. 82% of Coloradans across the state support this policy, and we urge your yes vote on this bill today. Thank you.

here representing both Humane Colorado and the Animal Welfare Association of Colorado. Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of House Bill 1011. Every day across Colorado animal shelters open their doors to lost surrendered and abandoned animals who have nowhere else to go Despite tireless efforts to promote adoption many communities still have more animals in need than available homes When pet stores sell commercially bred puppies and kittens, more animals enter a system that's already stretched thin. Many of these animals come from outside our communities, competing with local shelter pets for the same limited resources and adopters. Ending the retail sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores helps shift that balance. It encourages families to visit their local shelters and meet loving animals that may have overlooked if they've gone to the pet store next door. Adoption also reduces the length of stay for local pets, which allows shelters to increase capacity to help the next animal in need. This bill also helps address pet overpopulation at its source. Puppies and kittens sold in retail stores are typically not sterilized before going home, and many families are unprepared for the cost of spay or neuter surgery. When those procedures are delayed, unplanned letters follow, and the cycle continues. Shelters by law spay or neuter pets before adoption, ensuring every adopted animal represents not only a life saved, but a step toward preventing future overpopulation. At its heart, this bill prioritizes animals who are already waiting patiently in our shelters for a second chance. While House Bill 1011 will not solve every challenge facing animal welfare, it moves us toward a more compassionate and responsible system that supports our local communities, strengthens shelters, and gives more animals the opportunity to find the loving home they deserve. For these reasons, I respectfully ask for your support of House Bill 1011. Thank you.

Senator Pelton. Senator Pelton Thank you, Madam Chair, for the ASPCA. How many animal shelters do you guys operate in Colorado?

Thank you for the question, Senator Peltin.

Okay.

That's okay, Senator Peltin.

What rules—you know, the pet stores seem to be the ones that are getting thrown under the bus here. What rules have they broken or gone against that this bill intends to fix? Who would like to take that? Ms. Jessie?

Senator Pelton. Thank you. So you people that operate rescues and shelters, how many animals come in from out of state? to your facilities. Ms. Pacha?

Thank you, Senator Pelton. I don't know that exact number, and again, I think the only person on this panel who represents an active shelter in Colorado is Ms. Mickelson. But what I can tell you is that over the years between 2022 and 2023, the state saw about 10,000 dogs coming from puppy mills to then be sold through brokers and pet stores in the state. Senator Peltin, would you like Ms. Mickelson to address that question, sir? She wants to go ahead.

Sorry, I can jump in. Humane Colorado, we don't transfer animals in from out of state. We do sometimes support emergency situations. So, for instance, this year after the floods in Kentucky, we transferred in some animals to support our sheltering partners. but there are a lot of rescues and shelters that do still transfer in and some that don't do it in the most compassionate manner and i think it's important to remember that these are not mutually exclusive solutions we can shut down the puppy mill pipeline and deal with rescues that are transferring animals in an incompassionate way and so i think we we don't need to choose one or the other, we should work on doing both.

Oh, Senator Pelton. So just how will the state enforce the ban on anyone selling puppies they haven't bred? Or is this just an all-out ban of puppies being sold in pet stores, period?

if you are not the original breeder. although there is an exception made for people who maybe acquire a puppy and need to re-home it because of whatever reason in their personal life. So they can transfer three puppies a year, but it would be illegal. Ms. Pata.

to ensure the enforceability of this. PACFA already does inspect these stores, so it's already within their jurisdiction. And then in terms of the broker piece, that's a complaint-based system with PACFA, so it would largely come down to individual complaints.

No. I'm sorry. Michelson? Yes. You said that you traveled a lot to pet stores. I'm just wondering, have you seen pet stores where the animals are taken care of?

My name is Tony Gagliardi. I'm a Prairie Pro Bono for the National Canine Advocacy Group. Supporters of this bill, oh and I did sign up online this morning. Supporters of this bill point to the fact that pet stores may obtain puppies from puppy mills. But what this bill completely fails to address is that some Colorado rescue organizations also obtained dogs and puppies from puppy mills and brokers. That bears repeating. Colorado rescues are bringing in dogs and puppies from puppy mills and brokers. What the available data should raise alarm. Even with the state withholding unredacted CVI records, we know that two Colorado rescues imported about 400 puppies from a single puppy mill broker in 2024, about 75% of their total imports for the year. In addition, one of the state's largest shelter licensees has built an entire model around bringing dogs and puppies into Colorado from breeders and brokers across the southern United States for adoption More broadly rescues and shelters imported more than 18 dogs and puppies into Colorado in 2024 If even 20% of those animals came from puppy mills and brokers, that number would exceed the total number of puppies sold by Colorado pet stores that year. And not all pet store puppies would have come from puppy mills or brokers. The evidence is clear. Rescue organizations can and do source dogs and puppies from puppy mills and brokers. As long as the rescue organizations remain exempt from this bill, puppy mill dogs and puppies will continue coming into Colorado. House Bill 1011 is not a real solution. It's a selective, trendy piece of legislation that punishes one channel while ignoring another.

Bree Mastis, Peak Legacy Ranch. My name is Bree Mastis. I'm a fourth generation pet store owner. My family has never shied away from animal welfare and I'm not about to now. I'm asking you to require more from the industry. What's being proposed sounds good, but it's an expensive way to keep failing the dogs. Prohibition is like bad dog training. You say no without offering a responsible alternative, and people go find another way without vetting. That's dangerous for dogs. We didn't end child labor by shutting down businesses that bought things made by children. We set ethical standards and age limits, safety requirements, and parental consents. We regulated the conduct, not the existence of the business model. No state has done what I'm proposing. Colorado can be first. We've published research and a program proving real change in welfare and outcomes. I'm building this model. I've invested everything into improving that a retail pet store can operate at the highest level of animal welfare because it's the right thing to do. If we build on what we're already working on, we would improve the industry nationally. I'm willing to put my store on the line as a model. When it succeeds, we have a blueprint. To be direct, this ban will not stop unethical. They will find a way. Colorado can ethnically source puppies and I stand behind the science our breeders have built. If I were a non-profit rescue as written in this bill, I would be exempt. No vetting, no scrutiny, no accountability. The devil horns disappear. The halo magically appears. I will not pivot for political wins or headlines. I stand on values and accountability because I care about the dogs. I'm not opposing legislation. I'm saying it hasn't gone far enough. I share your frustrations with the bad actors in this industry. I'm asking for help, not for my business, for the animals. Please vote no on HB 261011. As listed instead, let's work together to pass a law that makes a positive difference so that the dogs win.

Thank you so much. Sorry. My name is Alyssa Miller Hurley. I am with the Pet Advocacy Network. The Pet Advocacy Network is the association that represents the responsible pet care trade across the country, including many members here in Colorado who range from big stores like a PetSmart and a Petco to our small businesses. We're here in opposition to HB 26-1011 because we know that pet stores are already subject to the most stringent regulations, including regular inspections, licensing requirements, and adherence to animal welfare standards. We also know that Colorado already has some of the strictest regulations across the country, and we could not be more proud of what the state has done We also in a unique situation where Colorado is re those regulations which is why rather than creating a bill that would ban pet stores we also in a unique situation where Colorado is re those regulations which is why rather than creating a bill that would ban pet stores we urge this committee to work together with both the industry and the shelter rescue community to come together and create common sense regulation that can actually work We know that bans do not work. Previous testifiers have cited that we spend a lot of time on California, and that's true because California has a ban that's been in place for the longest, and California has also seen the largest explosion of an underground black market. These animals are coming in from unregulated sources, coming in through unregulated transporters, and sometimes being held in people's hot garages before being sold for thousands of dollars to Californians. California may still be proud of that law, as previous testifiers mentioned, but that doesn't mean it's a good law. New York has also had their ban in place, and we've already seen people driving into midtown Manhattan and selling unweaned puppies in the middle of winter out of trunks of their cars. Simply put, we know that bans don't stop bad breeders. What they do is they drive people to them by pushing regulated sources out and pushing people to unregulated sources, whether that's TikTok, Facebook Marketplace, or the Internet. We know that there's a better way.

Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Ed Sayers. I have my own consulting firm, Sayers Consulting. I've dedicated the past 51 years working to improve the welfare of companion animals. I worked at a local shelter in New Jersey for the first 20 years, and over the next 20 years, I served in leadership positions at American Humane Society, PetSmart Charities, and from 2003 to 2013 as the president of the ASPCA in New York City. And I'm opposed to this legislation. When I began my career, homeless dogs had about a 15% chance of getting adopted. But as animal welfare organizations worked effectively with local shelters, we now have about most states placing 85 to 90 percent of homeless dogs in their forever homes. But when it comes to eliminating puppy mills, animal welfare organizations have had little to no impact over that same time period. The misguided use of significant resources invested in retail pet sale ban campaigns for the last decade is one of the primary reasons. Almost half of those 420 local retail pet sale bans have been passed in communities that don't have pet stores that sell puppies. There's much fanfare about the passage, but zero impact on a puppy mill since there are no puppies being sold there. Pet stores are the smallest and most regulated source to obtain a puppy, representing only 3% of dogs acquired annually. How could you possibly have an impact on reducing the number of bad breeders when you were targeting the smallest and least likely place for an unlicensed puppy mill to sell puppies? While at the ASPCA, I helped create a program called No More Pet Store Puppies. While the campaign received massive attention and generous donor support, I really had no evidence that it ever resulted in the closure of a puppy mill. After I retired from the ASPCA, I was invited to tour dozens of USDA licensed commercial dog breeders. I agreed to go, fully expecting to return with confirmation that commercial dog breeders are puppy mills. Instead, I met people who cared as much for their dogs as anyone I ever worked with in animal sheltering. In kennel after kennel, I saw firsthand how hard to work with them.

From that experience, I made the decision to begin to work within the pet industry to try to improve standards was coming dog breeding and pet store operations and have been much more effective.

Senator Zemora Wilson. Thank you, Madam Chair. And this is for Ms. Miller Hurley. So I'm looking at a flyer here from the Canine Welfare. It says, not a single pet store gets their puppies from responsible, ethical, reputable breeders. And I heard you say that pet stores go through some of the most strict regulations. So can you expound on that a little bit more, please?

Senator Samora Wilson. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair. So with the pet stores going through all these regulations and checks and balances, as far as the care for puppies, I would say they are well taken care of. And if this bill goes through, and also knowing that humane or rescue do not, and we know that this isn't going to stop those breeders that have bad intentions or treat animals poorly, taking away the good portion is going to increase the bad portion Is that not does that make sense what I saying Yeah that makes complete sense And unfortunately that is accurate

Thank you so much. That is it for questions for this panel. I appreciate you all being here. Next, we will move, we will stay in opposition. Brandon Lenning, Margaret Richards, Bianca Rose, Larson, Cindy Hayworth, and Jens Larson. Okay. Okay. Cade Courtley. Amy Carson? Great. We'll just start with who's here. If you could introduce yourself, state who you represent. You will have two minutes.

Thank you so much. Do we want to go back? Can we start with you here and then we'll work our way down? If you could introduce yourself, state who you

Thank you so much, sir. I'll state your name and who you represent. You will also have two minutes.

Thank you so much, sir. If you could close us out, please.

Thank you. Members, are there questions for this panel?

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for the question. Pet stores... Right now, bringing about 5,000 dogs a year to the state of Colorado. Shelters and rescues bring 35,000 dogs into the state of Colorado.

No, I mean, this would... Mr. Lenning. Sorry about that. This would greatly impact us, obviously. There's a reason that we're here. Margaret and I are lucky enough to be part of a fairly large pet store. We just purchased this pet store less than two years ago. So we're stepping into something fairly brand new, although we've worked at the pet store for 14 years and 20 years. So, I mean, we're very aware of how things run. like you've already said it's not going to be easy it's not going to be an easy transition there's a lot of what if we truly don't know what will happen there's a very good chance that we will close I mean that's a true possibility we're nervous we hope you guys take the time today to actually sit and listen to us and truly understand that we are good honest people and we I don't break the law, I've never broken the law you know, it's crazy it's crazy to sit here and be judged for things that it's what happens behind closed doors it's not even it's not about us it's about what happens in different states and we're USDA regulated the breeders that we get our dogs from are USDA regulated We are PACFA regulators. We are very strictly enforced. And that law enforces us to get from these breeders who the law has told us to get from that we are now being punished for doing. Makes no sense.

Absolutely none.

Senator Samora Wilson. Thank you, Madam Chair. And again, same folks. How will this bill improve animal welfare in Colorado or anywhere else in that matter?

As far as improving animal welfare, I don't know what it improves. It continues to stay the same. if people want to dig into it further they absolutely can our doors are open there's no reason we have nothing to hide at all anybody I know the rest of the owners have also said the same thing I don't know if I can say this but there's been a member up here already that has stated that they've been to our store nobody's been to our store nobody has talked to us that's That completely irrelevant I mean that crazy So I don necessarily think this bill will help animal welfare other than continue to regulate We can work together to try to use different tactics to shut down these puppy mills But other than that, I truly don't think it's going to change anything, by the way. It's going to make it worse. Further questions? Seeing none. Thank you. Oh, I'm sorry, of course, Senator Pulton. Sorry about that, Madam Chair. Talk about the puppy mills. In your knowledge, do rescues and shelters get puppies from puppy mills? Mr. Lenning, and if you could just make it quick because we're right at time here. No problem, absolutely. So yes, our broker has been approached by different rescues, and shelters because they have lack of dogs. They've actually approached our brokers asking them to get puppies. Absolutely. Thank you all so much for being here. We appreciate your viewpoints. Thank you for the questions. Next, we will call up Dr. Karen Ricketts. Dustin Hayworth in case he wasn't called the first time sorry if I skipped you Anthony Noel Angelo Maestas Angelina Maestas You can go ahead We'll pause there. That's okay. Great. If you could state your name, who you represent, you will have two minutes. My name is Karen Ricketts. I'm a veterinarian. If you could turn on your mic, please. Can you hear me now? Is there a green light on? Can you hear me now? Okay, sorry about that. My name is Karen Ricketts. I'm a Colorado Springs native, and I've been a veterinarian for 38 years, and I'm in a unique position because of that. In the past, I have seen puppies that have been sick from pet stores, from the Humane Society, from different places, and in my more recent history, that has not been happening. I have the luxury of being employed by Peak Legacy Ranch and Pet City in Colorado Springs in the past month. I know that's not very long, but I was a little concerned before I started because I wasn't sure what I was going to walk into. And I have been thrilled to be a part of what they do. They are very, very good at taking care of the puppies once they're there. but there are regulations that have those dogs coming in, having vet care before they come in. They get them in, and then the next day I come and do a vet exam. And if there's any sniffle, if there's any diarrhea, if there's any concern, we follow that. I am part of their care. They are very integral. They are a family, both sides, both stores. They are amazing. and I would challenge anybody to come see them because they are amazing And I was skeptical because I didn know what I was walking into But this is a well facility and they not doing anything wrong And they are being held accountable for something that isn right if they're going to be shut down because of this blanket bill. So I'm in very much opposition of it. The other point I wanted to say is where's the data to support these puppies are sick coming from pet stores? So I am in opposition to this bill. Thank you. If you could please introduce yourself, state who you represent. You have two minutes. Good afternoon, committee members. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to speak, Madam Chair. My name is Anthony, and I work at Pet City as a customer care specialist for nearly four years. Every day, I speak directly with families who are trying to responsibly add a pet to their home. The matchmaking process begins with the first call. I asked customers questions about their lifestyle, home, needs, experience level, and expectations. But I also listened to their concerns. Recently, I received a call from a woman who lost her emotional support animal of 12 years. Dealing with a person online that she thought was a responsible breeder, she was scammed out of $600. This person took advantage of her grief. This is why my role and the role of regulated pet stores is important. Learning what we can to help people find the perfect match for their home and making the process smooth and as informative as we can. This guidance not only helps protect the consumer in making the right choices, it also gives that animal the best chance at finding a permanent and loving home. We also give transparency. Families know where their puppy comes from. We provide documented veterinary care, vaccination records, and health information. We also provide training, tools, and supplies needed to facilitate long-term success. If this bill passes, the safe and guided path to pet ownership disappears. Families go looking for pets will be pushed into less transparent methods, often unregulated markets where scams are common and animal welfare is harder to verify. If we truly want better outcomes, we need to strengthen what works. Because when you take away safe, transparent options, you don't end the problem. You push it into the shadows, harming the consumer. Thank you so much. If you could say your name, who you represent, you'll have two minutes. Yes. Hi, my name is Angelina Maces, and I'm here not just as the daughter of a business owner, but as someone who quite literally grew up in this industry. For years, I've watched this bill resurface, and the difference now is that I'm finally old enough to stand here and say this all for myself. We all agree puppy mills are unethical. That's not up for debate, and we all want them gone. So let's stop pretending that this bill is doing that, because it's not. It does not eliminate puppy mills. It protects them. When you make something illegal but leave demand untouched, it does not disappear. It goes underground. It becomes unregulated, uninspected, and impossible to track. That is where the worst abuse happens. And yet that is exactly what this bill creates. Please hear me when I say this. People will still buy dogs, and puppy mills will not go away. That is reality. So the question is not whether dogs will be sold. It's whether those sales happen in the light or in the dark. Right now, businesses like my family's operate in the light. We are inspected, we are transparent, and we are accountable. This bill removes that. It does not target the people doing things wrong. It targets the people willing to be seen. So while unethical breeders continue quietly completely untouched you are choosing to shut down the businesses that allow oversight to exist in the first place That is not animal protection That is willful blindness And I have to ask, why have none of you visited our property or the breeders we work with? And more importantly, why do you refuse to work with us? If you're going to label people unethical, if you're going to shut their livelihoods down, the bare minimum should be to actually investigate them. Instead, assumptions are being made, narratives are being pushed, and families like mine are being judged by people who have never even taken the time to understand what we do. I have. I grew up in this industry. I've been to our breeders. I've seen the standards, the care, and the accountability firsthand. So being told that they're unethical by people who have never even stepped foot there, it's not just frustrating, it is irresponsible and insulting. This bill does not protect animals. It removes the various systems that keep bad actors in check. If you actually want to stop puppy mills, then work with the people who are doing it right. Strengthen oversight. Increase accountability. But do not eliminate the only part of this industry that works in the light and willing to be held responsible, because all that does is make the problem worse and push it somewhere you will never see it again. Do not pass a bill that feels good politically but fails in reality. And do not stand here and say this protects animals, because if this passes, you won't be stopping the problem. You'll just be making sure none of you ever have to see it again. Thank you, sir. If you can state your name and who you represent, you will have two minutes. Yes, ma'am. My name is Angelo Mestas. My wife and I own Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado. For five years, I have come before many legislative bodies to beg and grovel to continue to operate my legal, licensed business in the state of Colorado. I have provided data, facts, pictures, videos, and have even offered to take anyone, anytime, to any kennel that we buy from to prove that the source of our puppies is not what the opposition has presented you with. It is obvious that this bill and many others that have come before it has nothing to do with animal welfare. If it did, the bill would target breeders, the exact group that the bill says is the problem. In fact, this bill has no restrictions, standards, or any other language that affects breeders, in or out of state, commercial or otherwise. The reality is this bill is being pushed by a national animal rights lobbying group, ASPCA, that has no interest in the people or animals of Colorado. Very simply put, they need a villain for the donations to keep rolling in, and we are that villain. If they succeed in destroying the pet store, who will be the next villain? Dog breeders? Cattlemen? Poultry farmers? Dairy farmers? Fishermen? Hunters? Rodeo? Aquariums? Zoos? Once the power to destroy a business is given, it is difficult to take back. When the dust settles and all the favors have been granted and the promises cashed in and our livelihood has been traded away like old baseball cards and all the campaign financing and caucus donations have come in, we will still be here, lamenting a legacy that was destroyed by legislators acting as puppets to the highest bidder. This is the personal attack to fulfill a vendetta the bill sponsor has against our business. This bill is discriminatory, inflammatory, and if passed, will lead to litigation. All members of both committees have been given all the documents that prove this. It's a sad day in Colorado when votes are cast based on pressure from leaders Thank you so much, sir. instead of what is best for the people and animals of Colorado. Thank you. Your time has expired. Thank you. I'll just remind everyone, all the witnesses, to please not impugn the motives of the sponsors. You can speak to the bill text or to any of us, But the sponsor's motives are not at play here today. Members questions for Senator Zemar Wilson. Thank you, Madam Chair. This is for Dr. Ricketts. Well, I have visited one of the pet stores in Colorado Springs. I was very pleased with it was clean. There was happy animals. They were clean animals. They were healthy animals. And one of the things that I was impressed with is located at each window, display window for the pet, was information that told everything about the puppy. and where the breeder, who the breeder was, and information on medically. I was just wondering, can you confirm that also, that you saw transparency? Absolutely. Dr. Ricketts? Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes, I mean, they're health-checked by a vet before they come to either place, and then they're, you know, before I came along, it's very transparent on the sheet that goes with the dog even when they're being looked at. So, yes, it's very transparent. Senator Zemora Wilson. Thank you, Madam Chair. And, Anthony, you work there, so you can confirm all the information that's on those tags? Yes. Mr. Noll. Oh, excuse me. I'm so sorry, Madam Chair. Yeah, it's all right. I just have to record. Yes, the staff, myself. Not only does the staff have detailed information in my position, in my role, I also have detailed information on every puppy, the breeders, the inspections they pass, the whole nine yards. Senator Pulton. Thank you, Madam Chair. I guess first I'll go to Dr. Ricketts. What happens to animal welfare when it's regulated? You know, does it get better? Do people just go out of business? Or in your opinion, what happens to animal welfare? Dr. Ricketts, I think that when it's regulated correctly, I think that's fine. When we have oppositions like this, can you state that question again? because I believe in regulations because I think that's what's keeping those pets safe. So is that what I'm... Senator Pulton. No, you're kind of hitting it. So I've got another question. So you've probably seen animals that come from shelters and rescues also. Yes. Do they have the same sort of transparency, the same sort of checks and balances background in their welfare? Dr. Ricketts? No, they come as unknown, and most of them come with problems. That's true. I've been in private practice, and I see a lot more from that. They do try to address them at Mill Dog Rescue and places like that, but they don't come with any history. Seeing no further questions, thank you all so much for being here. Next we will have Mark Boyce, Debbie, I keep getting y'all's last name wrong, Mastis, thank you so much, Erica Bondurant, and Angela Pittsford. And then online we will call up Nancy Hengem and Angie Schaff Great If you could start us off while we pull up those folks online you have if you'd introduce yourself, state who you represent, you'll have two minutes. On now? Thank you. My name is Mark Boyce. I'm a certified public accountant licensed in Colorado, my practices in Colorado Springs. I've had the honor and privilege to work with the multiple generations of the same family who have owned the two pet stores in Colorado Springs, which will be directly impacted by House Bill 26-1011. I'm here today to speak about the fiscal and economic consequences of this bill. The seven pet stores that are targeted by this legislation are tax-generating, family-owned small businesses that contribute both to state and local revenue streams. If House Bill 2610-11 passes and these businesses are forced to close or significantly reduce operations, the state and local jurisdictions will experience a measurable loss in revenue in several key areas. I do not know the specific data of all seven stores, but I do know that of the two stores in Colorado Springs, and I am told they're right in the middle of the pack. There are some larger, there are some smaller. So let's talk about the tax impact. Pet stores generate and collect sales tax on their retail sales, not only from animals, but from supplies, food, and ongoing care products. When a pet store closes, that gross revenue does not automatically shift to local alternatives. In many cases, it moves, as previously testified, to online retailers, out-of-state sellers, and unfortunately unregulated private transactions. Using an average of the last five years of data from the two stores in Colorado Springs, the average amount of total sales tax collected and remitted to all taxing jurisdictions averaged $221,000. If you gross that up by seven stores, that means you're putting at risk sales tax collections in the neighborhood of $1.5 million annually. Thank you so much, sir. Before we go to our next person in person, can we see if Will Coggin or Renee Reese are online? When we do that, we will have you testify, please. If you could state your name, who you represent, you will have two minutes. Good afternoon, committee members. My name is Debbie Mastis, and I represent Peak Legacy Ranch, and I'd like you to know that I strongly oppose Bill HB-101. As pet stores, we are doing everything we can to ensure the breeders we work with are canine care certified and have the best interests of both the parents and the puppies at heart. I have personally visited some of these breeding facilities, and in my opinion they are clean, humane, and the dogs are well killed for. As a lifelong resident of Colorado Springs, I've seen firsthand how people on opposite sides can come together to reach a compromise. My father, Don Britton, served as a state representative for District 17 in the mid-1970s. In March of 1977, a bill was introduced to raise the state gasoline tax by two cents per gallon. I will never forget the night he came home late from work when my mom asked his day was, he looked at her and said, I did something today that will probably cost me an election. He had changed his vote to break a deadlock He voted with his conscience in favor of the bill one sponsored by Republican Representative Hilsmeyer That moment has stayed with me in my entire life It shaped who I am, because sometimes doing the right thing is hard, but we are still called to do it. And that's what I ask you to do today. Please look inward. Help us keep this industry in the light, out of the hands of underground breeders, and where it can be seen, regulated, and done right. Thank you for your time. Thank you so much, Ms. Maestas. If you could please state your name, who you represent, you will have two minutes as well. My name is Angela Pittsford, and I'm the general manager of Pet City in Colorado Springs. For the past 10 years, I have served as a general manager of our family-owned pet store, and I've seen firsthand the impact we have had on our community. This is not just a business. It's where people come for companionship, comfort, and healing. Every day we take the time to listen, to truly understand our customers' lives so we can help them find the right pet. That level of care is built on years of trust and connection. I don't just sell puppies. I match them with families. We provide health warranties, not guarantees, because no one can guarantee life. Puppies need lots of love and care. We do everything possible to set them up for success, health-tested parents, proper nutrition, science-based care, and ongoing education. Still, things can happen. In the rare case something does go wrong, we address it. But we refuse to be painted as anything less than what we are, professionals who show up, take responsibility, and do this work the right way every single day. The reality is most people don't know how to evaluate a good breeder. They just know that they need companionship, and that need is real, and it matters. We are here to make sure the choice is responsible, informed and supported. We are educators. We are advocates. We are the matchmakers. I have seen the impact personally. A woman who lost her husband and her Yorkie in the same year, who came in several times to visit with our puppies, who shared the tears with our staff as she spoke of her hardships. She found joy again because we took the time to help her, to understand her, and to find her the right companion. That is what we do. Keeping our doors open mean continuing to serve our community, care for animals, and change lives. This business is years of sacrifice, heart, and everything we have built together. And I will not stand by while its future is shaped by narratives that do not reflect the reality of what we do every day. Thank you so much. And finally, at the end here, if you could state your name and who you represent, you will have two minutes. My name is Erica Bondurant, and I'm here as an accountant from Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, Colorado. I respectfully oppose HB 26-1011. Proponents claim that pet stores can simply pivot to selling products, supplies, or convert to grooming, training, or adoption services. As a keeper of the numbers, I can clearly state that is not realistic. This bill will destroy our business. Peak Legacy Ranch was purpose-built for our current model. I was there through the purchase and the nearly two-year renovation. Everything Bree and Angelo had financially went into this facility. It was designed specifically to house animals with known backgrounds, controlled environments, and consistent veterinary oversight. This is not a traditional retail space that can simply be converted. And there is no capital left to attempt it in less than a year. Nine months? Supplies account for only 10% of our revenue, and all of that is tied to puppy purchases. We are more than 30 minutes outside the city. Customers make that drive for the experience of purchasing a puppy They will not make it for dog food Eliminating our core function doesn pivot our business It ends it This bill suggests we could convert to grooming training or doggy daycare These options would require another significant financial investment. Relicensing, rehiring, retraining, and tearing out everything that was just completed to meet the requirements of our current model. There is simply nothing left financially to make these changes in less than a year. This bill also suggests we could host adoption displays at no compensation, meaning we would donate our space, staff, and resources while still covering cleaning, care, and operational costs. That is not a business model. That is a mandate to operate at a loss. But the deeper problem is this. Our facility was built around one principle. Knowing the complete medical backgrounds of every animal from whelping to going home, we control health histories and vaccination records, including the parents. Rescue animals arrive with unknown exposure histories. Thank you. Next, we will go online. We'll start with Reese, R. Reese. Renee Reese. Okay, we will go with Will instead. Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the committee. I'm Will Coggin with Humane Watch in Arlington, Virginia. Banning retail pet sales will simply drive pets into the black market where there are fewer protections for both people and animals. Just today, I found multiple listings on Craigslist for people selling puppies in the Denver area. I also found multiple sellers on TikTok today selling puppies, again, in the Denver area. Where do these dogs come from? Who knows? There's no transparency and there are no warranties for people who buy dogs through these meet and greet style sales. Many of these listings could also be scams where a person is asked to provide a down payment before the seller vanishes. These online pet scams are increasingly common according to the Better Business Bureau. As far as the sketchy rescues that we've been hearing about, I have personally sat at a dog auction in southwest Missouri, a breeder auction and watched as rescues, as well as brokers for rescues, buy puppies and even pregnant dogs from dog breeders. They then load these dogs into the back of vans and transport them to other states. These kinds of bad practices will not only continue under this bill, but this bill will create an incentive for them to expand. I also want to challenge the notion that these laws have been effective in other areas. So a proponent, we heard proponent testing from a group called Humane World for Animals. 20 years ago, this group said that there were 10,000 puppy mills in the country and that we needed to start passing laws to reduce that number, these kinds of laws. Well, fast forward to today, 20 years later, and they still say there are 10,000 puppy mills in this country. So despite all the localities and even several states passing these kinds of laws, they admit by their own numbers that the number of puppy mills has not gone down at all. And that's because these laws just don't work. The best way for ensuring the welfare of dogs is to ensure that there is a regulated marketplace where legal protections exist and can be enforced. Driving purchases into the black market will hurt both pets and people. Thank you. Thank you so much. Now we will go back to Renee Reese. thank you madam chair and members of the committee my name is renee reese and i'm the owner of pet ranch in thornton colorado thank you for the opportunity to let me speak today i am in strong opposition of hb 26, 10, 11. For years, my business has operated with a core mission to connect families with healthy, well-cared-for pets while maintaining transparency, accountability, and high standards of care. We've always worked with reputable breeders and ensure every animal receives veterinary oversight and provide customers with health records, education, and ongoing support. Importantly, the breeders we work with are required to be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, the USDA, under the Federal Animal Welfare Act. This means they are subject to routine inspections, standards of housing, record keeping, and traceability requirements. The USDA is a federally regulated agency that oversees not only animal welfare and breeding facilities, but also a wide range of industries that impact public health and safety. One example is ensuring all animal and animal byproducts consumed by this country are safe and many others. So I'm sure they're quite capable of enforcing this legislation or regulation for breeders. Pet stores like mine just add an additional layer of protection. We're selective on which breeds we work with, which breeders we work with, and accountable to Colorado consumers every day. If this bill passes, stores like mine will be forced to close entirely. My employees will lose their jobs. Families will lose trusted, highly regarded local resource. State and local governments will lose a tax revenue. I urge you to consider. Thank you so much. Thank you. Members, questions for these witnesses? Senator Pelton. Thank you, Madam Chair. And this question is for Will. You mentioned retail rescues in your statements. Are there any of these in Colorado that you know of? Mr. Coggin. Yes. Sorry about that. Yes, there is. Yes, there are.

Mr. Coggin.

Senator Putin. Thank you. And Will or anyone on the panel, with the elimination of pet stores, what is going to change? I mean, there'll still be the same dogs and puppies being sold just through different ways. Is that right? So they'll be putting businesses out of business. Mr. Coggin, would you like to take that to start?

Senator Pelton. Thank you, Madam Chair, and to the lady that works for Pet City, I think. So if you're no longer allowed to sell puppies, what will your breeders do? Will they go out of business or they'll still be in business, right?

Senator Pelton. Thank you. you don't think they would pivot and start selling the shelters too?

I guess not a question. I just was trying to get at the animals will still be going to be sold and stuff. It's just they're going to be eliminating your businesses.

My name is Mike Kamina I adopted a dog from Pet City in 2017 I looked around and chose Pet City because I respected a business that had been around for many years I knew that I would see puppies and be able to connect with a sales team who would help me in the process of choosing the right puppy and would be available after the sale. I truly value the longevity of a business, knowing that they have not endured the retail world for more than 50 years without providing excellent service and care for their animals. I did not want to find private breeders and possibly travel long distances to meet a puppy nor did I wish to go to a rescue or shelter and not know the exact history of a dog I was bringing home as a companion to my two boys Shelters and rescues are not required to provide that information to the customer I felt Pet City was the only choice and have been very happy with that decision and with my puppy Dudley has been a huge part of my family and continues to be a healthy and loving addition. Pet City helped me to choose Dudley and has supported me in raising him and continues to be a strong presence in my community. They offer customers with a great service in bringing home the right furry friend for their family. During all my visits to Pet City, I have witnessed how much Dustin, Cindy, and their staff love the animals that they place. Spend some time in their store, and you will see. Removing pet stores is not the solution to the problems of puppy mills. Pet City is a respected business and truly cares for the puppies, and I will always choose them. Please do not take that away. Thank you so much.

My name is Sandra Fajak. I am here today representing Pet City where I've worked and have worked for the past five years. I want to make it clear that I do, of course, fully support animal welfare, but I oppose this legislation, HB 26-1011, because it removes consumer choice and eliminates responsible breeders and regulated businesses such as Pet City. I do believe that shelters and rescues should be options for many people across Colorado, but not the only options, as everybody here in this state is very different from what it is. I want, just like many of you, to protect ethical dog care and transparency, and I also feel very strongly about this as an owner of two wonderful dogs of my own. my pug's name is Hie and my poodle mix's name is Layla both have kept me happy for many years as I battled depression anxiety and other mental health challenges throughout my life Layla my second dog I have purchased from my job where I of course was fully aware of where she came from who her breeder was her medical history the medical history of her parents and grandparents as well making it clear that of course Pet City and other pet stores across Colorado take into consideration high standards for their animals, their animals' health, and not only for the puppies but their parents as well. Hieh was a little different. I did acquire him and rescue him from what I believe to be a very inadequate home and when he was roughly about eight weeks old I just want to point out that I also see that the dangers that this bill could present, including disease scams, lower regulations, and less regulations for people in this state. Thank you so much.

My name is Ayla Haver-Robinson, and I am a longtime resident of Colorado Springs and an employee at Pet City. I am here to respectfully express my opposition to HB 26-1011, which seeks to ban pet stores from selling animals in Colorado. Before working at Pet City, I personally purchased two Shih Tzus from an advertisement on Facebook. This breeder was unlicensed with no breeding kennel. I was not able to meet the parents. I did not know if there were other breeding pairs, and I was given very little information overall. At the time, I had no idea what questions to ask or what boxes to check. I was going in completely blind. Although one was healthy, his sister was not. She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and has suffered lifelong neurological issues. When I notified the breeder, they did not discontinue breeding the parents. Within months, they posted another litter from the same pair. That experience showed me firsthand the risks associated with unregulated breeding. After starting at Pet City, I adopted a Shih Tzu from our store. I knew his breeder, his parents, and the standards for which he was raised under. I've had no health issues with him. That level of transparency and accountability matters. I believe the solution is collaboration, not elimination. Pet stores, veterinarians, rescues, and shelters should work together to improve standards. Too often, however, veterinarians automatically assume and publicly state that if an animal comes from a pet store, it is unhealthy or poorly bred, when that is not the case. These assumptions create division instead of cooperation and ultimately do not help the animals we all aim to protect. If the concern is unethical breeding, why target regulated businesses instead of unlicensed, irresponsible breeders? Pet stores operate under very strict oversight, while many private sellers do not. Eliminating responsible, transparent businesses won't stop unethical breeding. It will push consumers towards less regulated sources. HB 26-1011 does not address the root of the problem. We should strengthen enforcement against unlicensed breeders and support collaboration across NSC. I am typically a voting Democrat, which is why it's especially disappointing to stand here today. After reviewing the facts, I have to ask, do you truly believe this bill will work, or are you following the lead of its supporters despite outdated and downright wrong information? Thank you.

Yes, my name is Brent Flood. Thank you, Senators and Madam Chair, for hearing us today. I work for Pet City. I have known Dustin and his family for more than 25 years. They will bend over backwards to help anybody that they see needs that help. They are very respectful to their animals that we have in our stores. We don't see this as selling animals. We see this as having families adopt a family member, because that is technically what you are doing. It is a lifelong commitment. I would like to put out an example. My wife had received, she decided to go to the shelter and get a dog. She was not informed at the time when she was purchasing this dog from the shelter that he was fixed at four weeks old. That is very bad for an animal. And because of that, our animal, our dog, our animal, Little boy suffers from severe hip dysplasia, and on top of that, we are now stuck with an immensely large amount of vet bills that we could have seriously avoided if we were informed. Our stores provide that information. We do not hide anything. I have personally been to our breeders. I have seen their facilities. I have stayed the night at some of those facilities because I got stuck because of the snow. I mean, things happen. but none of our breeders when I was there mistreated any of their animals they were very nice they were very clean places our store, if you walk in there you can see on our displays all of the places that we sell our pets or that we get our pets from we do not hide anything ask us questions and we'll be more than happy to answer thank you so much

Hello, I'm Nathan Wagler. I own and operate a licensed brokerage in Indiana. It's clear to me after sitting through this hearing that there's a large misconception about commercial kennels. I work with these breeders daily. I know these people personally. to list these breeders as anything but professionals for sure without seeing or visiting a single one seems to me very uneducated for those that don't know what we do as a broker i would first welcome everyone to come visit us and our breeders the easiest way to explain our role is that we're a breeder network constantly pushing and improving animal welfare With our position, we can positively influence change at a large scale. We help breeders with their USDA needs as well as vet needs, transportation needs. We encourage continued education, better practices, involvement in programs like canine care so that our breeders can raise healthier dogs. There was a comment made earlier that pet stores don't source dogs from breeders that do health testing. Thursday and Friday of this week, our veterinarians will perform over 200 OFA screening on adult dogs at over a dozen kennels. And that's just this week. I would like to finish by saying that this bill, if passed, will negatively affect responsible breeders. I would encourage a no vote on this bill and instead a combined effort to actually stop puppy mills. I work daily bettering and improving our breeders. We have made great strides. Your help with a bill that would actually regulate what breeders can sell to Colorado pet stores would improve our industry instantly and improve it greatly. I can't stop bad breeders. I can only help our breeders do better at their profession, but you can. Thank you so much.

and today I am sharing with you the story of Ernesto Hernandez, co-founder of Wounded Paw Project and a Purple Heart recipient. This testimony is the story he would like to share with this committee as he is unable to join today. I submit this testimony in opposition to the proposed pet sale ban currently before this committee This work is personal WPP was founded by my dog Daisy a pit bull turned service dog who saved me from myself from both the visible and invisible wounds of combat Wounded Paw Project is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and placing abused and neglected dogs, many from high risk situations, with veterans and others in need of companionship and emotional support. The work is not abstract. I have lived it. The right dog can stabilize a veteran, provide structure, and in some cases, save a life. The wrong match can do the opposite. That is why access matters. Not one breed fits all. Not one source fits all. And not every dog that ends up in a shelter. While I do not support irresponsible breeding, especially backyard breeders who operate without standards or accountability, I do recognize that responsible breeding and reputable regulated retail environments have a place in ensuring accountability, transparency, and proper matching. I also want to be clear that many rescue dogs possess the temperament, intelligence, and working capability needed to support veterans. The issue is not the source, it's the standards behind it. In the state of Colorado, veterans' needs are not one-size-fits-all. The bond between a veteran and a dog is not just meaningful, it's often essential to the stability, routine, and overall well-being. What matters most is not where a dog comes from, but whether the placement is appropriate and sustainable. It's not about preference, it's about fit. When access is limited to one pathway, the likelihood of making the right match decreases.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And to our second witness, I'm sorry I missed your name. I think you were trying to finish your thought, and you ran out of time, and I would like to hear the rest of what you had to say.

It's Viak. Viak, thank you so much. Of course. I appreciate that, Senator. Thank you so much. I wanted to kind of start the last thing that I was going to say by pretty much asking what it would look like in your eyes if reputable breeders, regulated ones, were not a thing and they no longer worked with retail stores like Pet City. if outbreaks were to happen and these things weren't regulated. So like parvo, distemper, and God forbid, even rabies, and dogs were becoming sicker and sicker as these things were continuing to happen. So in the end, I kind of wanted to address that what is the outcome when you do take away responsible, transparent breeders from doing the right thing and also what do you think would happen when you take away the freedom for the public to choose when and where they get their dogs?

Thank you, Madam Chair. And this question is for Mr. Wagner, I believe, up on the wall. Your industry is part of the, or your part of the industry is something that's kind of been getting told under the bus today. and you're bringing some pretty compelling arguments, and you weren't able to finish. What else can you tell us? I mean, I was really liking what I was hearing.

Senator Pulton.

Mr. Wagler. Can you elaborate on that?

Mr. Wagler. I would first like to make the comment that there would be no gain for me or one of our breeders or a pet store. I can't speak for the pet stores, but I would assume it's the same, to sell an unhealthy dog. We stand good for our dogs their entire life. If there's hip dysplasia, if there's whatever issue it is, we're here. We'll, you know, the refund process. We take all of our dogs back. We have an extensive rehoming program that we use for our adult dogs. We don't, you know, we don't sell these adults. We don't get rid of these adults. We don't euthanize these adults. We have a rehoming program that took us five years to build that these adults flow through. and there would be no gain for us to breed unhealthy dogs. In the case that there is this instance that you refer to, it is the efforts of us and pet stores coming together, identifying an issue, looking at the data, and then analyzing how we stop this issue. You know, if it's the stopping of breeding of a certain pair of dogs or if it's a disease outbreak. We monitor this stuff constantly or we wouldn't be in business.

My name is Ronnie Edelson. I represent both Pet City and Peak Legacy Ranch I a 20 year veteran of the Army I thank this committee for doing things like that but I also ask this committee to think about a veteran job that is in your hands My career spanned over 20 years. From starting the first Friars and the North War, ending in this last one, it took over 20 surgeries to get me to sit here. And I'm appalled that I have to stand. and sit in this committee and ask you not to take my livelihood away from me because of being called immoral. I will stand on my morals any day of the week. I have for my country, both Democrat, Republican, I don't care who you are, in front of my own. I am the one that goes and picks up these puppies. I transport them from Bloomfield, Iowa, to here. I have never had anybody ever sit in my seat my passenger seat and go with me to see what I do these places are cleaner than my own house I have four boys, trust me, they're cleaner than my own house these dogs are regulated, they are checked every day and I have a stack of paperwork that I have to bring with me verifying each and every one of these dogs have a vet check that are able to cross state lines I have strenuous regulations and stuff that I have to follow to prepare my vehicle for safe transport. I take pride in the eight years I've been able to do this to bring those puppies safely to Pet City and to Peak Legacy Ranch. And to be called immoral hits me to the core of who I am. if it was immoral, if I saw any of the things that I have heard here today, I guarantee you I'd be the first one to be on the other side of this aisle. But I'm not. I have been this career for eight years. Don't take my career and everyone else's away from all our feelings. Thank you.

Patty Winkler, and I'm just a private citizen. Thank you for hearing me today. My name is Patty Winkler, and I'm an 81-year-old Colorado native, and also very proud to have 10 veterans over three generations in my family who fought for freedom of choice. This is why I oppose the House Bill 2310-11. I feel that this bill is taking away our citizens' rights to make an informed decision to have a family pet. We have had far too many of our rights taken away. We are here trying to put seven small businesses out of business. Why? They are not polluting our waters, killing our wildlife, or destroying our state's education standards, or many other issues important to our state that need to be worked on. They are citizens running and policing their own businesses to support their families without government assistance. They comply with regulations the state has put on them, and they are proud of the extras that they do to improve their standards of their business. And guess what? They're actually taxpayers. I thought government was for the people, not against the people. Please vote no on House Bill 2310-11 to keep Colorado a state that people can feel free to make their own choices. Thank you for listening.

My name is Gail Zalany, and I thank you, Madam Chair, and I and committee members. I'm here as a resident of Highlands Ranch and to tell you my personal story. I'm a concerned citizen, someone who has lived and loved dogs my entire life. I understand both sides of the conversation deeply. When I was six years old, my family rescued a dog, a hound mix, from the Dumber Dumb Friends League. We were told that this dog was great with children. The dog mostly put up with us just by staying its distance, and then one day it bit me in the face right through the cheek. Then he was euthanized the next day. Over the following years, my family attempted to adopt four more dogs, each with their own issues that were either unknown or undisclosed at the time of adoption. Only one of those dogs would my family ultimately keep. The rest were sent back into a system which I view as a rescue reservoir, a pool of dogs repeatedly cycling through shelters and rescues because they were mismatched with the wrong owners from the start. Eventually I got married and I started my family. my husband and I deliberately selected a Labrador Retriever, a breed renowned for being gentle with children. That dog was phenomenal with all kids and adults and other dogs. Knowing this breed, his genetic history and predictable temperament

Instead of a bottle of vodka and my last act on this earth, I went home and not with just this amazing dog. I went home with a purpose. I went home with a sense of responsibility. I went home with who had become my best friend. And basically, I went home with a reason to live that day. He's been my best friend. friend ever since. So I'd ask people who are in favor of this bill, can you think of an example where a small business owner saved a life because these two did that day? And I'm here because of that. I love this dog so much that I went back and got him a brother six months ago. They're the best things in my life. They give me constant joy. They are healthy. They are happy. and I'm having a hard time understanding why somebody in this room would see that as a bad thing. Because I certainly don't. I'm in a much, much better place now because of what they did that day. Thank you for your time.

Hi, thank you for the chance to speak today. My name is Jamie. I moved to Colorado in 2018 from the panhandle of Florida. I got here the day Hurricane Michael devastated my hometown. Two months later, I began to build a new life here. I got a job for Bree at Pet City and now Peak Legacy Ranch. I do customer service and sales. I work very, very close with our families. At the ranch, we work by appointments. We talk to people for days, weeks, and months before they buy a puppy from us. Most of our families have been out multiple times. These are not impulse shoppers. These are families doing their due diligence while finding their family pet. I would love to elaborate on all the stories of their puppy search before they got to us. So if you have any questions. We get many, many people from different states. I am about to turn 62, and I have followed the puppy mill epidemic for decades, volunteered at many shelters and rescues in the panhandle. You are going to hear horrifying stories about the suffering at puppy mills. That is not us. That is not our breeders. I have personally visited over 15 of our breeder facilities and families, most of all are which canine care certified, a program that far exceeds the USDA standards. I work with wonderful people, some who have been there for over 20 years, one single mom over 15 years. I cannot sleep at night. I am so scared about losing my livelihood. A few years ago, I almost died from sepsis. It took months to recover. Bree modified my job responsibilities. How at my age will I find a job like this? My grandmother lived to 101. My mom is 87 and still works, so I have many years to work. Please don't take this from me. Thank you.

My name is Dustin Hayworth. I'm the owner of Pet City. In Colorado Springs, Pet City is the longest continuous-operated family-owned business in Colorado. Grandpa started it in 1948. I've owned my store in Springs for 22 years. The bottle of my business is to help families find pets. Not sell food, not sell collars and toys. It is to sell pets to the families that come into the store This bill is a lazy way of addressing commercial breeding It in no way affects any unlicensed unregulated breeders nor does it acknowledge their dramatic improvement of breeders are constantly making. This bill simply bans pet stores with a promise that we might eliminate puppy mills. But in no way does it address any breeding standards. Specifically, all breeding standards and all other breeding organizations are exempt from this bill. The only way to improve the quality of life of puppies and breeding adult dogs coming into Colorado is to have a pet store regulate them. Breeders don't have to. Shelters and rescues can't. Pet stores is the only accountable measure. if you if we are gone you can do nothing hold us and PACFA responsible for improving the system higher standards not blanket bands don't eliminate responsible transparent entities who regulate who are regulated and accountable I have chosen my own to continually improve my business including the breeders I buy from I pursue and continue to pursue higher standards. I've recognized the national level at AKC, speaking at many of their conferences. I've invested in my heart and soul and my animals, my staff and my business. In no way with your new vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. and sir in the middle, thank you. That was, you don't hear many really good things in this building, but that was one of the best I've ever heard. That was one of the best things that happened to me, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. and sorry to get everybody in trouble. Mr. Hayworth, in earlier testimony, some of the proponents for the bill, they talked about in 2021 the Consumer Protection Act was passed and it was testified that pet stores aren't complying. They went to all the pet stores. They weren't complying. So with that, what is the reason this bill is even necessary? I'm sorry, sir, I've lost your name. Hayworth. Mr. Hayworth, thank you, sir.

Senator Pelton?

Yes Shelters and pet stores maintain the highest level of facility requirements We have to have certain levels of washability of surfaces cleanliness standards isolation kennels So from a facility standpoint, shelters and pet stores have the highest regulation within PACFA. In addition to that, pet stores are the only ones that have to do the consumer protection information piece. We have to know where our animals come from and share that with our customers. Rescue shelters and all others get the pass of if known. If they know that, they can share it. If you heard earlier today, if they know that, they might share it or might share it inaccurately.

Thank you, Madam Chair. So I went and saw, this is directed to Mr. Haworth. Haworth? Did I say that correctly? Haworth. I went and stopped by your store. I saw this beautiful boxer. He's so cute. healthy, happy, clean cage. In fact, whenever there was an animal that was doing a number, it was immediately cleaned up. I was so impressed by your store and the care of the animals. And so I'm wondering, how will this bill improve animal welfare in Colorado or anywhere else for that matter?

Thank you for the question What just hit me just now is your intenseness on how well my staff is taking care of the place and that's what I feel for the most They will lose their job with this bill being passed But I get excited when I think of the level of care you saw there is really nothing compared to the level of care my breeders give their dogs I wish I was able to pull up a video of the parents of that boxer and show you where they're running through in the yards and the playtime they have. This bill, as I mentioned in my testimony, will do zero for any animal welfare improvements in Colorado or outside of Colorado. If anything, it will degrade the animal welfare improvements possible from out of state.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And Mr. Havreth, what are some of the people that are proponents of this bill had mentioned that there are other options for the pet stores, and what would that be for you?

My store is suited strictly for selling of animals. In the mall, I would have no option to redo it and it be a groomer or be competitors to Petco or PetSmart, it would be out of business.

My name is Lori Senti. I support Bill HB 1011. I am a breeder of briards. I work very hard to ensure that every puppy I produce is healthy while socialized and placed in a carefully screened home. One of my biggest concerns with retail puppy pipeline is that consumers cannot see where the puppy was born, how the parents are treated. Puppies sold in pet stores are often shipped from large-scale commercial breeding facilities where dogs spend most of their lives in cages with limited exercise, socialization, and veterinary care. A USDA license does not guarantee humane treatment. When families purchase one library yards, they receive full AKC registration, health testing information, lineage, the opportunity to meet the parents. They see firsthand how my puppies are raised in a humane and responsible environment. This bill is not about attacking the pet stores. It is about addressing the source of the puppies. The problem is a pipeline that brings dogs from high-volume commercial breeding facilities into Colorado. Responsible breeders believe transparency and accountability. HB 1011 helps correct a system that lacks in both. I respectfully urge you to vote yes.

Thank you. Chairs and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Sydney Ziegler, and I am testifying on behalf of Eric Swafford with Best Friends Animal Society in support of House Bill 1011. At its core, HB 1011 addresses the puppy mill to pet store pipeline that too often prioritizes profit over animal welfare and leaves both animals and families paying the price. The bill ends the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores and prohibits third-party broker sales while preserving responsible breeders, shelters, rescues, and legitimate transfers. By covering both pet stores and brokers, it ensures commercial sales cannot simply shift from one seller to another. Dogs in large-scale commercial breeding facilities are often kept in cramped conditions, bred repeatedly, and provide minimal vet care, increasing the risk of untreated illness. These animals are then sold at premium prices, while sheltered dogs and cats lose opportunities for adoption. Nationally, more than 1.5 million sheltered animals are euthanized each year due to lack of placement. HB 1011 also protects Colorado families. Many puppy mills lack proper health testing or oversight, yet families are steered into high-interest financing agreements that can reach 188% interest. A $5,000 puppy mills can ultimately cost more than $16,000, often before families fully understand the financial commitment. When serious health issues emerge, treatment can cost thousands, and families may still be obligated to repay the loan, even if the puppy does not survive. HB 1011 protects consumers, supports shelters and rescues, and promotes a fairer marketplace. On behalf of Best Friends Animal Society, we respectfully urge your support.

My name is Roland Halpern. I'm Executive Director for Colorado Voters for Animals. For every puppy or kitten purchased from a pet store, another perfectly adoptable dog or cat languishes in a shelter, waiting its forever home. Colorado has strong animal cruelty laws, but the parents of puppies and kittens sold in stores don't live in Colorado. Our laws don't apply to other states. we have no control over horrendous breeding practices elsewhere. I've heard the industry arguments the law denies someone the joy of having an adorable puppy or denies a family member from the opportunity to select the exact breed of dog or cat they want, or even that puppies are only sourced from USDA-licensed facilities. But a USDA-license only means, quote, unrelieved suffering, unquote, was not witnessed. In other words, inspectors did not see any animals in severe pain, distress, discomfort, or conditions that negatively impacted the animal's health or well-being, or at least didn't report it. And how can they, when you have only about 100 inspectors tasked with overseeing over 8,000, that's 8,000, animal facilities, how can they possibly do an effective job? USDA standards are focused on survival minimums, not the animal's overall welfare. Pet stores claim bans create underground markets, but that argument is misleading. By that logic, you should never regulate any abusive industry because unscrupulous actors might step in. The right policy question is not whether the law eliminates the market, but rather whether it reduces the size and legitimacy of harmful markets. When a business model depends on cruelty, deception, or externalizing costs onto animals, shelters, and consumers, that's not a good business model. Colorado consumers should not be obligated to preserve an inhumane revenue stream. This bill doesn't end puppy stores. It ends a supply chain built on confinement and churn. Thank you.

My name is Nicole. I'm a lifelong Coloradan with two rescue dogs, and as a volunteer with dog rescues, I've worked with terrified, sick dogs who come from the same supply chain that fills pet stores with puppies. We know Colorado loves dogs. We lead the nation in adoption. We have 360 shelters and rescues and many responsible breeders. However, seven remaining pet stores continue importing 5,000 puppies each year from horrific out-of-state, large-scale breeding operations. This bill isn't about ending responsible breeding, choice, or hurting small business. It's about ending a horrible supply chain that Colorado currently supports through these pet stores. No matter what has been promised, these pet stores are sourcing from large-scale breeding operations, some with repeated violations for failing basic sanitation and vet care checks. A USDA license doesn't mean humane in any capacity. It means meeting the bare minimum threshold to keep dogs alive with little enforcement. Stuck in confinement, minimal food and water, dirty, only fear. So imagine what a facility with a violation looks like Colorado families don see this when they see a puppy in a window I ask you to think of your own dog or a friend dog and extend the same compassion to the dogs in these large breeding mills that are staying in business because of Colorado pet stores In any other industry, we wouldn't accept retailers knowingly sourcing from suppliers with repeated violations or poor conditions to begin with. We can't regulate facilities in other states, but we can decide what we allow to be sold here in Colorado. I urge the remaining pet stores like any other business to work to evolve and transition to models that support humane practices. This bill is a compassionate, practical step to ensure ethical treatment of man's best friend. It reduces demand for a profit-driven system from a supply chain that treats dogs like products instead of the companions that we all know them to be. I respectively urge you

My name is Joyce Cohen. I'm here on behalf of the animals suffering in puppy mills with no voice. I'm a former PACFA advisory board member and I resigned due to frustration that they did almost nothing about enforcement. Yes, the Colorado pet stores don't have violations cited by PACFA because violations were reported and PACFA did nothing about them. This bill would make it infinitely easier for PACFA to ensure compliance. The people opposed to this bill all have a financial interest in it not passing. Those of us testifying today for the bill have none of that. Cigarette companies were going to tell you that cigarettes aren't bad for your health, too. The opposition says this is going to create a black market and that sham rescues will thrive. This is a red herring. There is a black market, and this bill has nothing to do with that. Whether this bill passes or not, the black market is not going to change for better or for worse. The two are mutually exclusive. It's not a financially feasible model for these puppy mills to sell individual dogs to individual people. Most mills are out of state and they're not going to sell one dog to one person and transport that dog. They sell in bulk and that's why they have hundreds of dogs, which is why you hear horror stories about the mills putting metal pipes down dogs' throats to sever their vocal cords so that they can't bark. Hundreds of dogs in a facility can be very noisy. This bill eliminates the ability to sell to anyone in bulk through brokers, and that has nothing to do with the black market or sham rescues. It will shut these down more than promote them because they cannot buy in bulk. It doesn't make sense also for someone who is going to buy a dog from a pet store who wants that transparency.

My name is Arden Gallinson, and I'm the owner of a pet store along with my husband in Durango, Colorado Pet House. And I'm here in support of HB 1011. We've been in business since 2009 and currently employ seven full-time employees. From the very beginning, we made a deliberate decision not to sell live animals. When my husband wrote the business plan, he knew that in our part of Colorado, that model would not be successful. The customers in the Four Corners area care deeply about animal welfare and they would not support a store that sold puppies from questionable sources Also importantly our competition has been in business for 34 years and their store is also extremely successful. They do not sell live animals. The community supports both stores. That tells me very clearly that pet stores do not need to sell puppies in order to survive or thrive, we are thriving. Our customers are happy and loyal. We run a busy, successful store. We focus on food, supplies, and services. We partner with local humane society and rescue groups. And through our in-store adoption events, we've helped place over a thousand kitties into loving forever homes. These families return to our store, spend a ton of money on supplies, and are happy customers with healthy pets. This bill does not shut down pet stores. It simply encourages a modern, humane business model. It is 2026. People love pets. It is a business model that we have already, and many other pet supply store owners have proven works and works well. I respectfully urge you to vote yes on HB 1011.

Thank you, Madam Chair. This question will go to the First Lady that testified or anyone that would like to answer this. If pet stores are the big problems, we are finding other things coming out through this testimony. Would any of you be in support of a bill that establishes sourcing standards for the state?

Go ahead. There's no way to regulate out-of-state sources. Oh, no, I'm sorry. I have to acknowledge you before we jump in and we have some folks in person who would like to speak first. I'm sorry, Mr. Halpern.

Okay, Ms. Cohen, now you can go ahead.

Okay, thank you. Senator Pelton and then Senators Moore-Wilson, too, please, sir.

The sham rescues that I think you're referring to most likely also buy through brokers, because, again, if puppy mills are selling, they're selling in bulk, and they use these brokers. So this bill would help eliminate the amount of rescues coming into Colorado because it eliminates the brokers. And that's what's so important about this bill. The brokers can buy from all these different facilities and then have a truck ship all these puppies to Colorado. And that's why working on an individual level, it's not a fiscally viable business model for these puppy mills. So by eliminating the brokers, you eliminate a lot of dogs coming in to the sham rescues and from puppy mills.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And this question is for Ms. Nicole. You were mentioning about the breeders.

I'll have a follow-on question.

Senator Zemore Wilson.

To verify the statements that you have made. Ms. Bryan? I've looked at data from bailing out Benji of the breeder. If the pet stores here have sourced from breeders, USDA licensed breeders, who have had violations in the past five years.

She looked awful, but she seemed to know that she had been doomed to a short life as a puppy mill machine. She was just so sad and pathetic, despite knowing that she had just been rescued. Some dogs were rehomed. There was little hope for the others, and medical conditions promised a lifetime of suffering. So on that day, some of man's best friends fought the needle and lost. they were never given a chance to be loved or to be free. We can't save the moms and pops, but we can stop the transfer of puppies and kittens and prohibit pet stores from selling these already compromised and innocent survivors. Please say yes to 251011, and let's prove Colorado is an animal-loving state. Thank you.

I'm Francel Moore. I'm a concerned citizen. What I want to say is I've been a Colorado resident for 58 years, and I absolutely am in support of this ordinance. the related owners of the two pet stores in colorado springs made a commitment november 21st at our city council meeting about which breeders they would source from going forward and regardless of that commitment to any program for federal records it shows they have not kept their word and are still sourcing for breeders with violations since that meeting i received an email and it interesting that a colorist being council member spoke today but I received an email from one council member that opposed and they changed their mind after just visiting a puppy mill rescue organization with me. Imagine seeing a puppy mill in person. This ordinance would have passed if that visit had taken place before the boat. Thank you.

Oh, okay. Being in business for over 50 years just means 50 years of animal abuse. I only have time to speak on one of my survivors that was cage crazy, constantly spinning in circles due to her living eight years in a cage, which you've heard was six inches to move, on her body. We had to make a safe place for her in the closet where she had to hide with having her tremors. And sadly, I didn't have her long enough. She didn't live long enough for the years that she spent in the puppy mill in a cage. We domesticated dogs for those that have a dog in your home or even like them. Can you imagine telling your pet? You're giving them up to breed and live their entire lives in confinement and forced to breed every six months until their bodies can no longer produce and then are killed. This is the life of a puppy mill dog. How can we claim to love an animal, yet deny it the freedom that defies its very nature? Thank you so much.

Yes. My name is Janice Barber. I'm a Colorado resident. and I strongly am in support of this bill and I'd like to tell you why. There are some claims being made by the opposition. You've heard them over and over again that simply are not true. This bill would not create a black market for dogs. Responsible breeders will continue to sell directly to families as they always have and adoption from shelters and rescues will continue and it's important to note that rescues have many dogs ready for homes already. I recently just purchased a little dog from one of the rescues myself just under two weeks ago and while I might not know about his past, he is a loving, loving soul that needs a home. So what this bill does is it closes the pipeline that allows large-scale commercial breeding operations to supply pet stores with puppies. The other claim is pet stores will have to close their doors. Well, the truth is pet stores do not need to close down. We've heard over and over again, the vast majority of businesses already operate successfully without selling live animals. The seven remaining stores are the ones who continue to sell animals. But if they focus instead on food and other supplies that animals need, they will have a very successful business. and there are many pet store owners we heard of one who transitioned away from a model and did so successfully and is making a huge profit the third claim is we should tighten regulations well since colorado strengthened its transparency requirements records show that petsters were breaking violations and still getting puppies from out-of-store commute out-of-state commercial breeding facilities with um because these are out of the area there's very little way to track the compliance with these So I guess I say that consumers assume when they buy a pet from a pet store the owner being truthful about where the puppy came from but the truth is they don know This bill is a practical solution that protects consumers Thank you so much.

My name is Peg Farrar. I represent myself. I am actually part of the rescue community. I have been rescuing through foster groups since 2012. My family and I have brought in 207 dogs and puppies since that time, successfully found homes for them, and worked with wonderful rescues. It's really sad that rescues have been thrown under the bus here, but there are good rescues out here. I'm here to tell you I've worked for many of them for free. I don't have any financial stake in dogs or puppies. It's outgoing for me, outgoing money. I've spent thousands of my own dollars to help these dogs find homes. So I don't have any financial stake, but I do hope you'll pass this bill. Thank you.

Which is the button I... Is it this one? Yeah.

Am I on?

Okay, thank you. I've been fostering dogs for 20 or more years. many of these dogs' histories showed they originally were bought from pets.

Jeffrey Hirsch.

Can I start over?

Jeffrey Hirsch.

I've been fostering dogs for 20 or more years. Many of these dogs' histories showed they originally were brought from pet stores. Within a week or a month, the owners discovered physical problems or psychological extremes of fear and mistrust that the owners either didn't know how to deal with or couldn't afford to do so. They then end up in shelters or rescues and some in my house. I had two dogs for the last five and a half years that for one reason or another were unadoptable except in very special circumstances. Many of the people representing pet stores have stated today that they are very strict in getting their dogs only from reputable, well-run sources. However, in front of the House panel a couple weeks ago for this bill, when asked if they used certain breeders, they answered in the affirmative only to be told that numerous sources they used had many hundreds of violations. This quite likely may have been unknown to the stores, but nevertheless was the case in many instances when questioned. It is also just as true that USDA is unable to inspect on a timely basis all the sources of puppies that exist This bill does not solve the problem of dogs being sold on the internet in newspapers or online I wish it did But we should not defeat this bill for what it cannot do but for what it does. There are millions of dogs and cats euthanized in this country, and there is no shortage of them and no need to breed thousands more. I do not want to depict pet stores as either unethical or uncaring, nor do I wish to take away people's jobs. My true wish is that if this bill passes, pet stores can create a collaboration with rescues and shelters to show the pets that currently overwhelm rescues and shelters that would indeed be a win for dogs, rescues, and pet stores. Thank you.

My name is Kim Murdock, and I'm here representing myself and animals. I had no intention to speak here today, but after listening for hours, I felt the need to. I'm a little confused on how this is being presented as if this bill passes, businesses go out of business. And if it doesn't pass, then these businesses stay in business. Like I said, I didn't plan to speak today, so I didn't do research, but just a quick Google search tells me there are 344 pet stores in Colorado. So if over 300 stores are selling, or pet stores not selling animals and are in business, how is it that passing this bill is going to put these businesses out of business? It does not make sense to me. I would ask you to drive around, look at some of these pet stores that are thriving that don't have animals.

It would be wonderful. I'm not saying don't have animals in the store, but if you have animals that are shelter animals, then people come in and they buy the litter that they need for that new animal. They buy the food that they need for that new animal. They buy the collars, the leashes. So that one-time selling of an animal is a one-time selling of the animal. The money is in the food and the products. I can tell you I spend about $15,000 a year on supplies for my animals, so I know that these stores make a lot of money making on food. So I just would ask you to please consider that the selling of live animals is not important. As far as the sob stories we've heard today, I totally appreciate that. And animals do save lives, but they can come from shelters to save the lives or from reputable breeders. Thank you.

Hi, my name is Melissa Laxon, and I oppose HB 26-1011. You guys have a really hard decision here. I really urge you to slow down and take time to make this bill right. The HSUS has been caught lying, and they built the narrative around this bill, the same narrative you heard today. They paid $15 million in federal court for fabricating evidence and paying witnesses to destroy a lawful industry. That is not my opinion. That is a federal settlement. Legislators deserve to know who is writing Colorado law. People need nothing to believe a lie, but need endless proof to believe the truth. Please put on record that the three pet stores they mentioned buying from Joe Yoder stopped purchasing on February 10th and haven't purchased since. Joe Yoder also called us and was completely transparent about what happened. Also, the euthanized statement. We've never put any dogs down. It is illegal, and every single puppy that has been in our care has found a home, period. We deal with hate every single day. We are prejudged before a family walks through our doors. we absorb that scrutiny, and we still show up anyways. We still are here fighting anyways, because we believe and we love what we do. We are not a middleman. We are the heart of this process. We are the light in this industry. And when you raise your hand today, know that you are looking at the people who did everything right, who followed every rule, who showed up every single day, and for these animals and for these families. We have given our lives to this work, and we have found our families here. Please see us before you vote against us. Thank you.

Good evening, Madam Chair and members of the committee. My name is Valerie Hunter-Goss. I live in Fort Collins and I volunteer for our local shelter. I urge you to vote yes on House Bill 1011. This bill is needed because of one simple fact. Pet stores in Colorado source their inventory from out-of-state puppy mill brokers. No responsible breeder would sell their puppies to a pet store broker. Bailing Out Benji, a leading nonprofit organization that keeps track of all things related to breeding facilities, put together a directory of licensed breeders in the United States. It was released last month. Colorado has 156 PACFA licensed breeders. Only one had their license revoked. I feel strongly with 156 licensed Colorado breeders, consumers can find whatever they're looking for. A yes vote will not stop consumers from obtaining dogs from Colorado breeders where potential pet parents can visit the breeders' facilities and meet their puppy's parents. This bill protects consumers by not allowing poorly bred, overpriced puppies to be sold in Colorado's pet stores. In addition to the lack of health screenings, these animals may have serious temperament or genetic issues. The puppies often harbor illness and the costs are passed on to the consumers through huge veterinary bills. The deplorable conditions and chronic maternal stress that the puppies' mothers are forced to live in directly compromise fetal development. Many of these puppies have increased fearfulness and anxiety after birth. PACFA does not regulate out-of-state breeding facilities. This bill reduces the burden on shelters and rescues that are often left to pick up the pieces when sick or behaviorally compromised animals are surrendered. Thank you so much.

Ken can you hear us There we go Can you hear me Yep Okay Hello I Ken Andrews and I a proud rescue dog owner in Lafayette As a retired corporate leader, if I was asked to design a large-scale, highly profitable puppy supply company, here is what I would do. I would focus on breeding the maximum number of puppies per square foot. with close to zero oversight. I know I could get away with very cramped living conditions. I would accelerate puppy cycle time by taking them from their mothers quickly and get them straight to a broker. I would use the same breeding mothers over and over again. It would be survival of only the fittest for the puppies. Any sick or deformed puppies would be disposed of quickly and cheaply. The business model I have just described is by design cruel and inhumane. Business models change. Look at Blockbuster Video, Circuit City, Toys R Us. These businesses of all clothes, but pet stores do not have to and are not facing job losses. For the very few who still sell puppies, there are many other profitable revenue streams available. Consumer expectations and societal standards have changed. It's time to do what the vast majority of pet stores have already done, switch away from live puppy sales. Dogs are an integral part of our lives. As well as being our pets, they function as guides, guards, therapy dogs, hunting, police, military dogs, medical alert, search and rescue assistance, to name but a few roles. Dogs have no due process or representation other than us. Every one of them would give their lives to protect us. They are not inanimate products like video cassettes. They are living, breathing, sentient beings just like us. We call dogs man's best friend. It is time we kept our part of that friendship. Senators, the unanimous yes vote on this bill is required to stop the cruel, systemic exploitation of captive dogs. Thank you on behalf of man's best friend.

Good evening, members of the committee. Thank you for your time today. My name is Megan Bradford, and I am here today as a concerned citizen of Colorado. I'm here today asking you to move forward and support House Bill 26-1011. For me, this is not abstract policy. It is crucial. Like many Coloradans, I have seen firsthand what the puppy mill pipeline does to animals. Lily, my beautiful rescue, was overbred, neglected, and treated as nothing more than a reproduction machine. Had she not been rescued when she was, she likely would have died giving birth to litter after litter, her body exhausted for profit. This is the reality of breeding behind the glass boxes you see in pet stores today. Behind the bright lights and price tags are dogs denied basic care, denied proper veterinary treatment, and denied the chance to simply be dogs. They are bred in mass quantities shipped across state lines and sold for thousands of dollars, all while the suffering that produced them remains hidden from consumers. While I understand that this bill might not entirely solve the puppy milk pipeline problem across the nation, House Bill 261011 is about accountability in Colorado. It is about cutting off the retail outlet that fuels large-scale commercial breeding operations, and it's about ensuring Colorado does not serve as a marketplace for cruelty By supporting House Bill 26 we are limiting the primary profit channel that keeps this pipeline alive We are choosing transparency over exploitation and commerce over compassion I respectfully ask for your support in House Bill 26-10-11. Thank you.

Thank you, colleagues. My co-prime had some child care duties, so he had to leave. So I beg his forgiveness. I know he was listening on the radio on his way home. Just want to thank you for the testimony from both sides. These bills are hard, and it's complicated, and it's a roller coaster listening to policies. Look, I wasn't able to have kids. I was at the max for Denver County with five pets. Our pets are like our children. Sometimes I'm lucky to get room on the bed, and sometimes I'm delegated to the couch. But, you know, it's a complicated issue with pets because some of them for us are pet and family members. And some people, they're working animals and they're part of what they do, hunters and farm animals. You know, they don't live the same lives we do. But I don't want to disrespect anybody's side of the conversation out of respect for all of it because it is hard to have these conversations and to listen. And that's what we do as a legislative body is deliberate and hear testimony from both sides. I think there's overwhelming support. and a lot of the talking points I was going to come up here with to talk about afterwards were testified towards the end with the puppy mills and the other breeders and I get it I i do i do understand with the with the dog sales um but it a larger conversation to have and pets are very important we have there polling that been put out that this is a complicated thing and that people mostly support not having this stuff happen and i don't want to dig in more than to diminish the testimony of the people that are closer to the space than i am so on that i would just ask for an aye vote and thank you for the patience of of the committee for listening to testimony from both sides.

As I stated, I had gone and actually visited one of the pet stores in Colorado Springs. I was thoroughly impressed. And as I mentioned, the pet's clean, happy. their kennels were clean you could find out the information on that animal there was I don't know, a key, it was just, you could have all the information on the animal you could see where the breeder, who the breeder was, where the breeder lived and just thoroughly impressed, it's just as we were listening to people, it's a bit stunning, I guess, how people can look at a business and say, oh, you can make it if you change your whole system. You can. Really? If you look at these small mom-and-pop pet stores and the scale that they have compared to, Petco. There's a big difference. It's a very big difference. You can't even compare. It's not even an apples to apples comparison. And for others to say that they can change their business model and survive and thrive is shocking. this bill is going to impose new regulations. This is going to change businesses. They're going to leave. They won't be able to profit. We're already the sixth most regulated state in the nation. this is not going to help the goal I mean it's a noble goal we love I've got a black lab we love our fur babies but it is truly basic economics when the government regulates a market even if the goal is to better the welfare of the animals it produces inefficiencies in the market. And the truth is the outcome is actually the opposite. Anytime the government interferes in a market, the opposite of what the intended goal happens, meaning there's going to be animals, their health is going to be compromised. There's going to be inefficiencies. You're going to have pet stores who are already regulated and take good care and they are responsible with these animals, that's going to go away. And responsible breeders... exit the market. The transparency that you have, that the consumer has, is going to go away. One of the persons that was promoting rescues is like, well, you know what you're getting with a rescue. I'm like, really? What does that mean? I don't know what that means. You know that it's the unknown? I'll buy that. But you also have, someone mentioned the financial aspect. State revenue goes down. And the ability to purchase a puppy that you have information on, that becomes a scarcity. And you have consumers' choice decrease. Some people don't want to go to the Humane Society. They want more information on an animal. They want that assurance. That means if you create a scarcity, the price goes up, which means you create incentive in the black market. I hate to tell you, but this is going to increase the black market. In every single market where the government comes in and creates these inefficiencies, that's what's going to happen. You're doing the exact opposite. It's going to incentivize irresponsible breeders because the price is going to be there. And you're going to have unhealthy animals who are going to be abused. That's going to increase. You're going to increase younger puppies being sold, lack of transparency, increase in consumers being scammed. And the bottom line is, is this the role of the government? To infringe on people's life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? We're talking about businesses. They're already regulated. They're a legit business. And this is going to be taken from them. This is not the role of the government. this is going to increase lawsuits. I know if I was a pet store and the state was going to interfere with my life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, you bet I'm going to sue. So I am a very firm no on this, and thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for everyone that came to testify today. When I heard a bill similar to this it was about pet stores and I was in the house on the Ag Committee At that time I had the biggest dog weeder in the state living 25 miles from where I live in my home county He has since passed away, and they are no longer in business. But with that being said, this bill seeks to take away a legitimate legal business that stands in the way of the rescue and shelter business and their pursuits. I don't think this is the role of the government to put people out of business and give unfair advantage to other sectors that they tend to align with, maybe emotionally some that tug at the heartstrings. I'm very much a proponent of small business. Where I live in my district, almost my whole district is made up of small business. You can count on one hand the number of Walmarts that are in my district, and that's one-fourth of the state. I think this bill should have gone through the Ag Committee, because PACFA is regulated by the Department of Ag. I think it was wrong to bring it to this committee. I think it was directed here because the votes were here in this committee to pass this bill. But with the reasons I've just stated, I will be a no today.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you all for coming today and doing your best to stay within the two minutes, even all of those who have already left us. I take your testimony very seriously. It was not that long ago that I was on that side of the table testifying, working to get my best two minutes. I was in this room 14 years ago when they had stadium seating. Not nearly as comfortable as what you all are sitting in right now. but I certainly understand and take very seriously what you all have to say and you can count on me that I take that responsibility and will sit here and listen to you all. And I a little hesitant to say the next thing because the last time I offered any suggestions to somebody who was making testimony she started to say the next thing because the last time I offered any suggestions to somebody who was making testimony she started emailing me on a very regular basis And some of it is not very friendly, but I'll continue to do that. The first email that I got on this legislation was one week after the session opened. So it was the 21st of January. As you all know, this is House Bill 1011. This bill was read across the desk in either the first or the second day. so everybody who's here knew that this was coming and I've got all of the emails that were sent to me and a lot of them are mass emails the exact same email that somebody put together and they all sent together I mean that's fine I've looked at all of those but as I say with the seriousness of listening to you this is all the material that I just got today. This is what you came and handed to us today while we were here. I cannot do both. I cannot listen to your testimony and read all of this. It's impossible for me to do it. What I will do is I will take this home and between second, this committee, and second, when we have it, I will have an opportunity to go through this. But it's not going to be able to impact the vote that I'm going to be taking now because I didn't get a chance to see any of this. I didn't get a chance to hear any of this that you printed out to me. And you spent a lot of time. a suggestion to you especially on something that came out the first or second day of session that you find out where these are going and you find a way to get your information to us and I can tell you I mean I'm not the easiest guy to find but you can find me I'm walking in and out of these doors others I sat in my office and talked to people about this this so you can have these meetings but everything you handed me today didn't have any impact on the votes that I'm taking maybe it will change between today and when when this goes on the floor for seconds we see But that just a suggestion for you all the next time that you move forward And again, thank you all for coming down. Thank you for working on those two minutes. I think most of you did great. So thank you.

I will just say I also appreciate the testimony today. I know that there was a lot of passion on both sides, and I appreciate the folks coming forward and sharing their perspective on this. My district includes Lafayette, which includes one of the stores that has made the transition that we were talking about. And while I appreciate and empathize that that's not a transition that all stores can make, To me, it is evidence of the ways that these stores can make transitions in this way, away from live pet sales and into other products and services, and still be successful in our community. And really that there's kind of a demand for that. I very much appreciate the moving stories from folks who were able to get their pets from these stores. but for me I think that the costs are going to outweigh the benefits and I will just add I had a town hall this weekend with Representative McCormick who's one of the house sponsors of this and is also a veterinarian and so I take her opinion very highly in terms of these particular issues and I think one of the things she stressed is that this wouldn't disrupt responsible breeding or folks being able to get particular breeds, but would help intervene in what she saw a lot, which was families spending thousands on a puppy that they thought was healthy, only then to find out heartbreakingly that it wasn't. And as a veterinarian, she saw that firsthand really consistently, and that's what brought her to this bill. And so with that, I will be joining my colleagues in support of the measure, but do again appreciate everybody who came to share their perspective.

Thank you. Madam Chair, I move House Bill 26-1011 to the committee on the whole with a favorable recommendation.

Sanders. Linstead.

Pelton R.

Samoa Wilson.

Sullivan.

Madam Chair.