You heard that right. Petland, the largest retailer of puppy mill puppies, is officially shut down and we need to talk about it.

Any time a business closes I'm normally pretty bummed about it.  But this place? I'm not going to shed a single tear or lose any sleep over it - I'll only cry over the poor animals who had to live in this store.  It's the way pet shops like Petland operate that I definitely don't appreciate.  I'm all about 'adopt, don't shop'.

Also, who pays $5,000 for a pet when adopting is like $85?  That's ridiculous.

If you have any type of social media, specifically Facebook, you probably saw by now that Petland in Rockford, Illinois has permanently closed its doors.  Should we celebrate the shut down or mourn the loss of this store?

Via Lisa Ann
Via Lisa Ann
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"CLOSED PERMANENTLY SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE"

The Shelter Manager of PAWS Humane Society took these photos to Facebook and shared the wonderful news with her friends after she noticed a vacant parking lot and a large dumpster next to the building.

Via Lisa Ann
Via Lisa Ann
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Another notice on the door said,

Due to misguided state laws, Illinois pet stores can no longer legally work with licensed and inspected professional breeders.

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The pet store then asks the public to contact their local House Reps or State Senator and say "you support House Bill 4643".

I wouldn't do it even if you paid me.

Via Lisa Ann
Via Lisa Ann
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After the Shelter Manager's post gained traction, she received over 1,300 shares, 300 likes, and endless comments celebrating the closing of Petland.

So it's safe to assume many, many people are very happy because puppy mills won't be able to partner with pet stores any longer.

Via Lisa Ann
Via Lisa Ann
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Some of the comments included:

"Awesome news!!! Keep it going in every state. Shut down those who receive their animals from mills!"

"If I lived there I'd go write on their sign in black marker: "Due to badly needed state law that protects the animals... we can no longer aid, abet and generate profit for humans who skirt the laws that protect animals.""

"They didn’t take care of the pets anyway. Most of the people who got pets there they were either sick or dead shortly after bringing them home at no fault of the customers. So awful!"

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Canva
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So is this a happy ending?  Pawsibly.  If you're thrilled that Petland has officially closed in Rockford, send your fur-wells and give Illinois a round of appaws for passing the Animal Welfare Act to protect the care of animals in commercial resale.  What's next to close? Furry Babies at CherryVale Mall? Only time will tell!

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