House committee advances local-option bill allowing local regulation of pet shops after divided testimony The House Counties, Cities and Towns Committee reported HB 12-38 as amended after hours of testimony divided between animal welfare advocates and agricultural and pet-store interests; the bill gives localities authority to adopt ordinances regulating pet sales, with committee members split in a final roll call.

A heated debate in Virginia's House committee has paved the way for local governments to regulate pet shop sales, igniting a clash between animal welfare advocates and industry representatives.

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