COLUMBUS, Ohio - Two pieces of legislation have been introduced to regulate pet stores and pet financing in Ohio.

Democratic State Representatives Lauren McNally and Michele Grim introduced two bills to prohibit loans to purchase pets, as well as restore local government authority to regulate the sale of pets.

McNally is quoted in a press release saying with the holidays coming up, these two bills are very relevant.

"If a parent wants to give their child a pet for Christmas, or if someone has just been wanting a pet for a while now, it is an important responsibility. There are some ethical and financial landmines that people will need to navigate, and I'm happy we can bring attention to some predatory practices," McNally said.

One bill will amend the Ohio Revised Code to prohbit retailers from making a retail installment for the purchase of a dog or a cat and prohibit lenders from making a loan for the purchase of a dog or a cat.

According to the release, these loans often have extremely high interest rates and hidden fees, with the release describing them as "predatory."

"Many puppy store consumer complaints mention financing, with interest rates up to 153% and many claiming they were deceived by sales staff and rushed through paperwork," the release reads.

Dogs or cats can still be purchased with a credit card.

The second bill will repeal a law that diminishes the authority of local governments to regulate the sale of dogs. Current law puts the authority in the hands of the state. If this bill passes, that authority will be restored to local municipalities.

This legislation will still allow for local animal shelters and rescues to host adoption events at pet stores in their communities.

Both bills are awaiting a bill number and a House committee assignment.