Title
Amending Chapter 347 of the Legislative Code to include regulations of the sale of dogs and cats at pet shops and pet shop facilities.
Body
WHEREAS, many Saint Paul residents oppose the sale of dogs and cats from mass breeding facilities due to documented abuses including over-breeding, poor hygiene, a lack of veterinary care, and others; and
WHEREAS, the code of ethics for a Minnesota-based dog breeding organization states that breeders should refuse to deal knowingly with dog retailers and wholesalers; and
WHEREAS, current Federal and State regulations do not properly address the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops, while the City of Saint Paul does not possess adequate resources to safeguard the health and well-being of dogs and cats at the point of sale; and
WHEREAS, across the country, thousands of independent pet shops as well as large chains operate profitably with a business model focused on the sale of pet services and supplies and not the sale of commercially bred dogs or cats; and
WHEREAS, many of these pet shops collaborate with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to offer space and support for show-casing adoptable homeless pets on their premises; and
WHEREAS, this Amendment is not intended to limit the ability of consumers to work with reputable breeders, where they can see directly the conditions in which the dogs or cats are bred or can confer directly with the breeder concerning those conditions; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, over 280 cities, as well as the states of California and Maryland, have enacted ordinances addressing the sale of dogs and cats, including Boston, Massachusetts; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Austin, Texas; and Chicago, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City of Saint Paul to adopt reasonable regulations to help prevent inhumane breeding conditions, promote community awareness of animal welfare, and foster a more humane environment in the City; now, therefore, be it
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