San Francisco considers ban on pet sales
Photo by Flickr user cdrussorusso
The city's Animal Control & Welfare Commission heard testimony last week on a proposed ban on all pet sales except fish. The measure is an effort to reduce the number of unwanted animals — particularly hamsters — being euthanized by animal shelters.
But, according to this Associated Press story, the proposal generated so much debate that the commission decided to table a vote for at least a month.
One thing I've been unable to determine from all the media coverage is whether the ban would apply to breeders. It seems to be directed only at pet stores.
What do you think of the proposal? Take the poll:
Jen Eyer is on the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. She leads the Parenting and Pets sections, and writes feature stories, blog posts and opinion pieces. She can be reached at 734-623-2577 or jeneyer@annarbor.com.
Comments
Pam Sordyl
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 9:44 a.m.
Many may not realize that animals supplied to pet shops including birds, puppies, and small mammals, are often raised in unsanitary and inhumane conditions. Many birds come from "bird mills". Like infamous "puppy mills" such facilities are little more than warehouses in which birds are held in barren cages for mass production. Similar facilities and conditions also exist for reptiles and small mammals.
Mousedeva
Fri, Jul 16, 2010 : 9:07 a.m.
It's not just that there's unwanted pets, it's also to keep the stores/breeders from falsely selling sick animals that are abused or come with major health problems at an outrageous price. There are plenty of breed specific rescues and shelters desperate for owners, so why create more pets at a breeder? For more information and how to help, check out http://www.meetup.com/detroit-puppy-mill-awareness/ Local Pet-Supply stores have already come on board as has Animal Planet with an expos piece. The HSUS urges consumers who have purchased a sick puppy or who want to report a puppy mill to share their concerns with The HSUS at humanesociety.org/puppymillstory.