Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has signed several animal-related bills approved by the General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session. The measures address retail pet store sales, animal cruelty penalties, and veterinary reporting requirements.
HB 131 – Retail Sales of Dogs and Cats
HB 131 prohibits retail pet stores from selling dogs and cats in Delaware. The law allows pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters and rescue organizations to display animals available for adoption.
Senate Amendment 1 added clarifying language and established limited exceptions for certain existing retail operations that meet specified compliance requirements. Among other provisions, qualifying stores must provide the Office of Animal Welfare with a list of all breeders and brokers from whom the store obtained dogs during the previous six months. The new law takes effect on January 23, 2027.
HB 134 – Animal Cruelty Penalties
HB 134 increases penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenses. The law elevates certain repeat misdemeanor animal cruelty violations to felony offenses, enhances penalties for repeat felony offenders, and imposes lifetime prohibitions on animal ownership for individuals convicted of multiple felony animal cruelty offenses. The new law became effective on July 23, 2026, when Governor Meyer signed the bill into law.
AKC supports strong, enforceable penalties for those who intentionally abuse or neglect animals, while also recognizing the importance of clear and fair enforcement that protects responsible dog owners and breeders.
HB 415 – Veterinary Reporting of Suspected Animal Cruelty
HB 415 requires Delaware veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty offenses to the Office of Animal Welfare or other appropriate authorities for investigation.
As enacted, the legislation was amended from its original version to narrow the reporting requirement specifically to suspected cruelty offenses as defined under Delaware law.
The law also:
- Provides civil, criminal, and professional liability immunity for veterinarians who make reports in good faith;
- Requires veterinarians to complete reporting-related training every six years;
- Establishes confidentiality protections for reports and reporting veterinarians; and
- Requires enforcement agencies investigating animal cruelty complaints to adopt procedures that protect the confidentiality of reporting veterinarians.
The law applies to all veterinary licenses issued or renewed after December 31, 2026.
What This Means for Delaware Dog Owners and Breeders
With the enactment of HB 131, HB 134, and HB 415, Delaware has adopted significant changes affecting pet stores, animal cruelty enforcement, and veterinary reporting requirements.
AKC Government Relations will continue to monitor implementation of these measures and work with Delaware lawmakers, regulators, clubs, breeders, and dog owners to support reasonable, enforceable policies that protect dogs and responsible dog ownership. Delaware residents are encouraged to remain engaged and watch for future legislative and regulatory developments impacting dog owners in the state.
For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.