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In an effort to put an end to inhumane “puppy mill” breeding operations, San Francisco officials passed a law that permanently bans the sale of non-rescue dogs and cats, and puppies under 8-weeks old, by pet stores in the city.
Under the new law, individuals can still buy animals from licensed breeders, but retails shops cannot sell them – they are only permitted to adopt out animals that come from shelters, Humane Societies and registered rescue groups.
San Francisco is joining more than 200 other cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston and Austin by passing the new legislation which was designed to target puppy mills and backyard breeders, and also to cut down on the vast number of animals that are euthanized in Bay area shelters every year. You can see a full list of cities with active bans right here.
While there are currently no known pet stores selling non-rescued dogs and cats in San Francisco, the law effectively prevents any future businesses from starting up in the city.
“This ordinance will serve as a deterrent, preventing a business from moving into San Francisco and selling animals from irresponsible mass-producing breeders that churn out puppies and kittens as if they were on an assembly line,” District 4 Supervisor Katy Tang, who sponsored the legislation, said. Tang has also called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reinstate the portion of its website that documented animal cruelty cases after it was blacked out earlier this month.
The new law, and others like it around the nation, is a huge step in the right direction toward eventually putting an end to commercial mass breeding operations, also known as puppy and kitten mills, and ultimately saving countless lives.
Would you support similar legislation in your own city? Weigh in with a comment below!
Lynda Roberson
Feb 23, 2017 at 2:00 am
I think this is a good step forward for animals. I was suppose to be buying one of my pups from a breeder but when I arrived it was definitely a rescue. They were in awful conditions and being overbred. I don't understand how people like that can say they love their animals, that's not love, it's greed. They asked me to send photos I was appalled! The only reason they would want photos was to con someone to think they had their pups in a loving environment. I sent NONE!!
Jon
Feb 21, 2017 at 9:09 am
I support this 100%.
Another thing is, our Pet Smart has Animal Rescue dogs and cats for adoption, they do not use puppy mill breeders to sell cats and dogs, which is amazing, and would like to see more pet stores get on board with doing this. It will help these little guys find homes and get the love they deserve.