San Francisco to ban pet sales?
Detail:
San Francisco will vote on Thursday on a proposed ban on pet sales in the city. The aim of the ban is to limit the number of dogs, cats and other pets that end up in rescue centres, abandoned and euthanised every year.
The city already bans the sale of rabbits, but the current proposal covers dogs, cats, all small animals, birds and reptiles.
Proponents say that many abandoned pets were originally bought at pet stores and that, with rescue shelters full of abandoned animals, there is no need for pet shops to sell pets. They also argue that such a ban will deal an effective strike against the notorious puppy farms.
Obviously such proposals have divided the community sharply, with loud opposition from the shops that currently sell animals, including nationwide chain Petco. They argue that forcing customers to go out of state to buy their pets will harm local businesses as well as encourage the growth of underground sources. They also say that pet store staff are trained in the care and welfare of animals and are best placed to advise responsible pet keeping.
It’s a tough one, but my gut feeling is that San Francisco will vote for the ban simply because there is such a tidal wave of hostility against puppy mills in the US at the moment.
I shall be watching the events unfold in California with interest. If they do pass the ban, will it open the floodgates and lead to other states pursuing the same? And will such a move eventually filter over to the UK? Watch this space.
The city already bans the sale of rabbits, but the current proposal covers dogs, cats, all small animals, birds and reptiles.
Proponents say that many abandoned pets were originally bought at pet stores and that, with rescue shelters full of abandoned animals, there is no need for pet shops to sell pets. They also argue that such a ban will deal an effective strike against the notorious puppy farms.
Obviously such proposals have divided the community sharply, with loud opposition from the shops that currently sell animals, including nationwide chain Petco. They argue that forcing customers to go out of state to buy their pets will harm local businesses as well as encourage the growth of underground sources. They also say that pet store staff are trained in the care and welfare of animals and are best placed to advise responsible pet keeping.
It’s a tough one, but my gut feeling is that San Francisco will vote for the ban simply because there is such a tidal wave of hostility against puppy mills in the US at the moment.
I shall be watching the events unfold in California with interest. If they do pass the ban, will it open the floodgates and lead to other states pursuing the same? And will such a move eventually filter over to the UK? Watch this space.
By:
Sandra
Date/time :
06/07/2010
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