HomeMy WebLinkAboutPowerpointRetail Animal Sales
in San Diego County
December 17, 2013
Pet Stores in National City
Fiesta Pet Shop — 1145 Highland Avenue, Suite A
Pet Market #3 —1536 Sweetwater Road, Suite F
► Pending: National City Puppy — 1430 East Plaza Blvd
► Currently Fiesta Pet Shop and Pet Market #3 sell dogs and
cats, along with other small animals and pet supplies
0- National City does not have ordinances regulating the retail
sale of animals in stores but the sale of animals in public
places is prohibited (NCMC 8.32.050)
Summary:
Those in favor of prohibiting the retail sale of animals believe there is
insufficient oversight because retail stores usually obtain their dogs
and cats from a number of sources. Animal Advocates, believe that
pet stores obtain many of their animals from "puppy mills" and
"kitten factories, places where dogs and cats are bred and raised in
cramped, unhealthy, and inhumane conditions. (OLR Research Report
August 2013)
Pet store owners and some mass breeders say the criticisms are
overblown. They contend the ban limits consumer choice, threatens
the long-term viability of dog breeding and encourages the
"underground" sale of animals. Additionally, store owners and
breeders assert they purchase / obtain animals for resale from
reputable licensed breeders. Some retail stores deal with larger and
established breeders that are inspected by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture and the American Kennel Club. Guarantees for the
consumer regarding the health of the animals varies from store to
store.
Two cities in San Diego County (San Diego and Chula Vista) have
banned pet stores in their communities from selling dogs and cats.
Where are these pets acquired?
Retail stores usually obtain their animals from a
number of sources:
Established breeders (regulated by the US
Department of Agriculture)
Small "hobby" breeders (not subject to
regulation or oversight)
Brokers that find specific animals for pet stores
Individuals that seek out pet stores to sell their
Litter of puppies or kittens
Pet Store Owners / Breeders: Viewpoint
• Pet Stores owners and breeders claim the criticism is
overstated and bans are not good:
*. Bans Limit consumer choices
roP Threatens the long-term viability of animal breeding
ifo Encourages "underground" sates of animals.
0. Many Stores deal with larger established breeders that
are inspected by the US Dept. of Agriculture.
Animal Advocates: Viewpoint
Humane Society of the United States and similar
organizations believe that pet stores obtain many of
their animals from "puppy mills" or "kitten factories"
There is Limited regulations on smatter breeders /
animal brokers
Animals that are raised in these conditions usually
have to live in cramped, unhealthy and inhumane
conditions
�► Some animals are in poor health when they arrive a
the pet stores
Cities in San Diego County that prohibit
retail animal sales
City of Chula Vista and City of San Diego
Prohibit the retail sates of animals in pet store (Chula Vista -
Public or Private property opened to the public)
Except if the animals were obtained from a city or county
animal shelter or animal control agency, a humane society or
a non-profit rescue organization
City of Carlsbad
Adopted a similar ordinance to prohibit the sale of animals
however reversed their decision about a month later
(November 2013)
Other Cities:
Oceanside and others
City of Carlsbad Decision
City Council determined that prohibiting the retail sale of dogs
and cats is not the most effective way to stop the practice of
breeding and raising dogs and cats in inhumane conditions such as
those found in puppy mills and kitten factories 4,-_t
,,1
o- The most effective manner of preventing the harms caused by
puppy mills or kitten factories many of which are located out of
state is for stronger regulation and enforcement of animals
breeding regulations by the State and Federal government
Prohibiting the retail sale of dogs and cats may harm legitimate
business owners who do obtain their dogs and cats from mitts and
factories, and allowing an exemption for current businesses would
create a monopoly
CONSIDERATIONS
The following factors may be considered when evaluating whether to implement changes
to the existing National City ordinance(s) on animal sales:
No New City Ordinance:
Additional pet stores may move to National City from other cities that prohibit the
retail sate of non -rescue animals
Activist may picket pet stores in National City
Provides consumers a choice for pet purchases
Breeder Oversight: Large and well established breeding companies are regulated
by USDA
New City Ordinance: Prohibiting Retail Sales of non -rescue animals
Financial setback for current and future pet stores
Deter pet stores from moving to National City
Grandfathering current pet stores will create monopoly
I► Help control the pet population in City
► Possible litigation by pet store owners opposing ordinance
QUESTIONS?