Recently, Martin County, Florida, banned the retail sale of dogs and cats. Nearly 80 other counties have passed similar bans. The ban in Stuart will take effect six months from the date of adoption. Two stores currently sell animals in Stuart. Employees of the stores were not aware of the new rules, so they can continue to sell animals until six months after adoption. But, some people are still hesitant to buy or adopt a dog from a pet store.
In Virginia, a pet shop selling dogs must display a sign for prospective buyers to view. The sign must state whether or not a dog has been inspected by the USDA and is certified for sale. The sign must be at least eight 1/2 inches high and eleven inches wide with print no smaller than half an inch. It must also include the name of the shelter or organization that owns the animal, as well as the county or state in which the animal was purchased.
The city has been challenged in the courts on the issue of retail pet sales, but has prevailed in every case. The courts have ruled in favor of the city’s ordinance, and the Supreme Court has heard an appeal of this case. In the meantime, the pet store will be able to continue selling dogs and cats through its pet shop. In the meantime, the public will be protected from potentially harmful conditions and toxins in their fur.
While some pet stores claim to source their animals from humane small-scale breeders, it is unlikely that responsible breeders sell their puppies to pet stores. Responsible breeders prefer to meet the people they are selling to in person. Even when pet stores aren’t allowed to sell dogs, most responsible breeders prefer to sell their puppies in-person. However, 96% of National Breed Club Codes of Ethics forbid or discourage the sale of dogs.
Some states are taking a more aggressive approach in banning the sale of pets at pet stores. Maryland and Washington have passed similar laws. The Animal Legal Defense Fund ranks Maine #3 in the nation for strong animal protection laws. However, it is impossible to regulate the large-scale breeding industry outside of the state. While Maine cannot do much about the issue, the state’s laws have a great impact on the welfare of dogs and cats in the state.
While pet stores are becoming more responsible, the issue of puppy mills remains a stumbling block for many people in the United States. The legislation would require pet stores to only sell animals from inspected breeders and adhere to strict standards. However, there are many negative aspects of these pet shops. Pet stores restrict people’s choices and limit their choices. Many cities and states are debating the ban in Maine, and dozens of other states are considering similar legislation.
The ban on commercially bred pets in New York is gaining momentum at the state capitol. The proposed legislation was sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, D-Manhattan, and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, D-Queens. If passed, the bill would make the state the sixth state to ban the sale of animals. The ban would help stop puppy mills from exploiting animals and save rescue animals.