Pet-Shop Clause Bites the Squatter Bill
Gov. Josh Stein looked at House Bill 96—pitched as a fix for squatters—and spotted a last-minute add-on shielding pet stores from local rules. He sent the whole thing back unsigned, arguing the amendment "would facilitate inhumane puppy mills in North Carolina".
How a Squatter Bill Grew Fur
- The Senate inserted language preventing any city or county from adopting pet-shop rules tougher than existing state law.
- Sen. Danny Britt, R-Robeson, called the tweak a "clarification," but critics said it neutered local oversight.
- Across the country, hundreds of municipalities already ban retail puppy sales to curb mill practices. Activists in Raleigh and Wilmington have demanded similar powers; Wilmington's attorney Meredith Everhart told campaigners state law left her city powerless.
Drama on Jones Street
When HB 96 returned to the House, members first refused the Senate changes; hours later they reversed course.
- Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, blasted the pet language as unrelated "puppy-mill politics."
- Rep. Carla Cunningham, D-Mecklenburg, shrugged: "I'd rather live in my house than worry where my dog's gonna live," voting yes.
- The bill passed, headed to the governor—and hit his veto stamp.
Republican leaders remain one vote short of the super-majority needed to override Stein's fourteenth veto this session. Expect arm-twisting when lawmakers reconvene later this month.
What's at Stake for Cities—and Pets
- Local Control: Cities like Charlotte could not tighten retail pet-shop standards if the clause returns.
- Animal Welfare: National groups link retail puppy sales to large-scale breeders with poor conditions.
- Squatter Relief: Genuine homeowner protections now sit in limbo, collateral damage in the skirmish.
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About the Author ☕️
Jack Beckett files stories fueled by a bottomless cup of hazelnut roast from Einstein Bros Bagels' South Boulevard drive-thru. Thanks to Einstein's for keeping the newsroom caffeinated and the bagels hot while we chase politics that won't sit or stay.
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This article, "Josh Stein Vetoes HB 96, Citing Puppy-Mill Risks Hidden in Squatter Relief Bill," by Jack Beckett is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0.
"Josh Stein Vetoes HB 96, Citing Puppy-Mill Risks Hidden in Squatter Relief Bill"
by Jack Beckett, The Charlotte Mercury (CC BY-ND 4.0)
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