PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would prohibit pet shops from selling cats and dogs in Rhode Island unless they come from shelters.

The House passed the measure Tuesday. A Senate version of the bill remains in a committee.

Rep. Patricia Serpa sponsored the bill. It would require pet shops to sell cats and dogs that come from animal shelters, dog pounds or an animal rescue organization.

The Democrat says she was motivated by horror stories of puppy mills, where animals are bred on a large scale in “a terrible fashion.”

Serpa says she hopes the bill will encourage pet shops to adopt more humane policies.