News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Bill to ban unscrupulous parking lot sales of pets in Georgia now up to governor

Published

3 months ago

March 21, 2025

Staff Editor

georgiarecorder.com – Jill Nolin – 2025-03-21 16:50:00

Bill to ban unscrupulous parking lot sales of pets in Georgia now up to governor

by Jill Nolin, Georgia Recorder
March 21, 2025

A bill designed to make it harder for unscrupulous breeders to entice animal lovers into an impulse purchase is now on the governor’s desk.

The measure, House Bill 331, would ban the practice of selling dogs, cats and rabbits in parking lots, along the roadside, on sidewalks, at seasonal flea markets and other similar outdoor areas that tend to be hotspots for unlicensed breeders who prioritize profit over the wellbeing of the animals in their care.

The Senate sponsor, Grovetown Republican Sen. Lee Anderson, said the bill targets “bad actors” in Georgia.

“We need this bill so we can make sure all our pets are taken care of, and also it protects the companies that already do it the right way,” Anderson said, referring to breeders.

Supporters of the bill say it will reduce opportunities for illicit pet sales, which they argue is commonly tied with other illegal activity.

The original sponsor, Concord Republican Rep. Beth Camp, pitched the measure as both a consumer and animal protection bill, since animals purchased from illegitimate breeders often turn out not to be as advertised.

“These dogs oftentimes end up getting dumped, and they get dumped at animal shelters, which cost our counties money every single day. And it’s just heartbreaking,” Camp said recently to state senators.

Breeders would still be able to sell dogs, cats and rabbits from their home, business, a veterinarian’s office or other designated locations, like outside a police department.

“These individuals do not allow people to come to where these dogs live because they don’t want anyone to see where these animals live, because they’re living in deplorable, substandard conditions for anything that’s alive,” Camp said.

If approved, someone who violates the measure would be fined $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second and $500 for the third or subsequent offense. Each animal sold in violation of the measure would represent a separate offense, including if multiple animals were sold on the same day.

In January, the state Department of Agriculture seized 136 dogs from a puppy mill in south Georgia.

The bill may be serious, but it also brought a little levity to the day.

Anderson rested his case Friday by saying a vote for his bill would help keep Lt. Gov. Burt Jones out of the “doghouse.” Jones’ wife runs an animal rescue organization.

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Georgia Recorder is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Georgia Recorder maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor John McCosh for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.

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News from the South - Georgia News Feed

6-year-old wounded in crossfire between cars in Smyrna

Published

6 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – FOX 5 Atlanta – 2025-06-16 15:31:44

SUMMARY: A 6-year-old child was hospitalized after being shot during a road rage-fueled shootout between two vehicles at a busy Smyrna, Georgia intersection on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred near Spring Road and Campbell Road, close to a shopping center and gas station. Surveillance footage captured the gunfire. Police say the child, a passenger in one of the vehicles, was shot in the abdomen and rushed to the hospital. Two men, Craig Radcliff Calhoun and Eric Allen, face charges including aggravated assault, child cruelty, and firearms possession. Authorities emphasize the dangers of road rage and urge drivers to remain calm.

Two suspects, Craig Radford Calhoun and Eric Allen Rushi, have been arrested and face multiple charges.

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News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Minnesota suspect hit with federal murder, stalking charges

Published

9 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Staff Editor

www.wsav.com – Zach Schonfeld – 2025-06-16 12:04:00

SUMMARY: Federal prosecutors charged Vance Boelter, 57, with murder and stalking after he allegedly shot and killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Authorities say Boelter visited other officials’ homes and left behind notebooks listing over 45 targets. Found in his abandoned SUV were five guns and ammo; a Beretta handgun and facemask were recovered nearby. He texted his family about going “to war” before being arrested Sunday. Prosecutors may pursue the death penalty. Officials described the attack as a calculated assault on public servants and a “nightmare.”

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The post Minnesota suspect hit with federal murder, stalking charges appeared first on www.wsav.com

News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Morning Forecast for Monday, June 16th

Published

17 hours ago

June 16, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – 11Alive – 2025-06-16 03:58:47

SUMMARY: Monday, June 16th, will be hot and muggy with temperatures mostly in the 70s to low 90s. Expect a mix of sun and clouds in the morning with isolated afternoon thunderstorms developing after 1 PM. Some areas will experience showers, but many will remain dry. Outdoor activities may be impacted by saturated grounds and rain. The humid weather continues all week due to persistent Gulf moisture, with scattered storms likely daily. Rain chances range from 30-40% early in the week, dropping to about 20% by Friday. Cooler, drier air is expected late in the week but moisture returns over the weekend.