Ban On Selling Pets At The Pet Store Curbs Support For Puppy Mills

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— The recent movement to ban the sale of some animals, especially puppies at pet stores, is gaining momentum in cities in California, Florida and New Jersey.

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, co-president of the San Francisco SPCA, says the ban on these types of pet sales was passed in San Diego and Los Angeles and although it was considered in San Francisco—igniting much conversation, it did not pass.

The goal behind these regulations is to crackdown on substandard commercial breeders, or puppy mills that normally supply the animals to pet stores.

"These laws are also intended for pet stores to follow the lead of some of the national chains like PetSmart and Petco that don't sell dogs any longer, but rather promote adoption from shelters and rescue organizations," Scarlett said.

A puppy mill is any large-scale commercial dog-breeding operation that puts the welfare of the dog below its monetary value.

"What we see there is indiscriminate breeding and poor housing and care for the dogs versus a responsible breeder who's going to ask you to come see their operations and come meet their dogs.

They're also going to be there in case there is a defect in the dogs that they need to respond to."
You can find out more on the difference between puppy mills and responsible breeders at the SF SPCA website.