Although I'm happy to hear that the VDACS will discuss the proposed regulations for pet stores that sell puppies and kittens, as passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020, at their hearing on Friday December 9,  I do not think the proposed regulations go far enough. Public and private animal shelters are held to high welfare standards. They are required to engage a licensed veterinarian to develop protocols for the care of animals in their custody. However, there are no such requirements in the proposed regulations for pet stores that sell puppies and kittens. In addition, if a VDACS inspector finds that an animal shelter has violated state law, the shelter faces civil penalties up to $1,000 per day until the issue is corrected. The proposed regulations do not have civil penalties for pet store owners. I think for-profit businesses should at least be held to the same standards as animal shelters. Thank you for your time and considering my comment in your decision.