Former soccer star Heather Mitts is urging Pennsylvania legislators to support a bill that would prohibit pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits unless they come from shelters or rescues, writes Jan Murphy for the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

Mitts, a Media resident, visited the Pennsylvania Capitol this week, hoping her status as a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a silver medalist in the World Cup might add support to Senate Bill 44.

Also known as Victoria’s Law, the bill would end the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits that come from puppy mills.

Not only do neglected animals suffer at puppy mills, but people who buy them at pet stores often end up with a sick dog, cat, or rabbit, she said.

“Not only is it not fair for the animals, it’s not fair to the owners,” Mitts said at a news conference.

The legislation would bar pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits and move the pet market to more humane sources, namely shelters, rescues, or responsible breeders, said Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania State Director of the U.S. Humane Society.

Read more in the Harrisburg Patriot-News here.

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