The West Hollywood Council announced the passage of an ordinance banning the sale of dogs and cats in its pet shops. The purpose of the ordinance is to begin the process of ending puppy mills, from where local pet shops purchase dogs. Puppy mills have long been considered a place of animal cruelty, where dogs are kept in inhumane conditions, and where unhealthy dogs are breed purely for profit. See the article here: http://www.examiner.com/x-941-LA-Pets-Examiner~y2010m2d2-West-Hollywood-passes-landmark-legislation-against-sale-of-pets\
Do you think New York State should consider a similar ban? Why?
Or, instead, do you think puppy mills should be more stringently regulated and inspected to ensure that the animals are properly kept and breed?
Comments (1)
I think that the ban is going a little too far. The existence of puppy mills is the problem THAT needs to be addressed, and more effectively. Although the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores may contribute to the problem, attacking that issue won't solve the pupply mill problem.
Taking the sale of cats and dogs away from pet stores will decrease the revenue of the stores drastically in a time in the economy when the owners can't afford it.
The only good I could see from this type of a ban, is that a person who wants a dog or cat might rescue one from a shelter which will help decrease the shelter populations.
And if a person wants a purebred dog or cat, they can go directly to a breeder, who is usually cheaper than the pet stores anyway.
Posted by Kris McConville | February 4, 2010 6:31 PM
Posted on February 4, 2010 18:31