City weighs banning sale of commercially bred pets
Philadelphia could soon become the next city to ban pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs and cats, a move that prioritizes adoption of rescue animals and is aimed at stopping the growth of so-called animal mills.
Philadelphia could soon become the next city to ban pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs and cats, a move that prioritizes adoption of rescue animals and is aimed at stopping the growth of so-called animal mills.
Advocates acknowledge that the legislation is preventative; they know of no pet stores in Philadelphia selling animals from breeders. But they say it is needed nonetheless, in part because breeders searching for spots to sell their animals will have to avoid cities with these laws on the books.
"What Philadelphia is looking at is an ounce of prevention as opposed to a pound of cure," said John Goodwin, director of the Humane Society of the United States' anti-puppy-mill campaign.
The proposed law, introduced by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson at the urging of the society, would ban the sale of commercially bred dogs and cats at pet stores or the sale of any dogs and cats in public places, like sidewalks or flea markets. Penalties would range from $150 to $300. Johnson's office said a hearing on the bill would likely be held in March or April.
Nearly 125 cities across the country have passed similar ordinances. Philadelphia would be the second in Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh passed one in December. Though there are few laws pertaining to the sale of commercially bred animals in Pennsylvania, the state has among the strictest laws regulating breeding.
Animal advocates say puppy mills have inhumane conditions and are known to breed animals that have health and behavioral issues. Rebecca Glenn-Dinwoodie, director of humane litigation for the state SPCA, said those pets are more likely to end up in city shelters, burdening taxpayers.
Laws like the one being considered in Philadelphia are not wholly accepted by the animal advocate community and are opposed by the American Kennel Club. Sheila Goffe, the club's director of government relations, said the laws are based on "biased, outdated, and inaccurate preconceptions about professional breeders," and punish an entire group because of a few bad actors.
She said the laws give consumers one less option, increasing the likelihood that they will end up with a pet that is not a good fit and that ultimately ends up in a shelter. Instead, the club supports legislation that bans pet stores from buying animals from breeders that have violated federal animal welfare laws.
Kristen Tullo, the humane society's state director, said the group isn't trying to restrict buyers or keep them from purchasing purebred dogs.
"We just want people to look at shelters first," she said. "If that's not available, look for a responsible breeder."
215-854-2730@TriciaNadolny