DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — The Douglas County Board of Commissioners has adopted an ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits in public spaces including roadsides, parking lots, parks and flea markets.

The board passed the legislation Oct. 21 in accordance with a state law that took effect July 1. House Bill 331 aims to reduce unethical breeding practices and improve animal welfare in Georgia.

The ordinance prohibits sales in public or commercial parking lots, sidewalks, parks, recreation areas, fairs and flea markets. Residential sales of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits, and prearranged transactions at veterinarian offices or law enforcement agencies during daylight hours are exempt.

Douglas County Animal Services Director Vanessa Francikowski worked with the Georgi

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