ATLANTA () — A bill making it illegal to sell dogs, cats and rabbits on roadsides, parks and parking lots was signed into law on Friday.

Governor Brian Kemp has officially signed House Bill 331 into law. Advocates have called the bill a victory for efforts to combat backyard breeding, puppy mills and illicit pet sales.

Dogs, cats and domestic rabbits can’t be sold, exchanged or advertised for commercial purposes on any roadside, public right of way, parkway, median, public or commercial parking lot or sidewalk, park, recreation area, fair, transient or seasonal flea market or similar transient market or outdoor location, the bill said.

“Puppy mills frequently sell on roadsides and parking lots to prevent the public from seeing the oftentimes cruel and dire conditions these pets are bred in,” said Senior Director of Advocacy and Network Partners, Best Friends Animal Society Laura Donahue. “I’m extremely grateful to Governor Kemp for taking a stand for Georgia’s pets.”

Individuals who violate the law could face fines up to $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second and $500 for the third and subsequent offenses. Corporations would face a fine up to $1,000, between 200-500 hours of community service or both.

Additionally, each animal sold would represent a separate offense.

“I backed the roadside sales element because every Georgians’ pet deserves a safe and loving home,” a sponsor of the bill, Rep. Beth Camp (R) said. “By ending roadside and parking lot sales, we’re protecting our neighbors, our families, and our community’s most vulnerable animals.”

Read the full bill here: