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WEST HOLLYWOOD -- The West Hollywood City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban stores from selling cats and dogs in a move aimed at curbing puppy mills and kitty factories.
The West Hollywood City Council unanimously approved the ordinance earlier this month. The newly passed law will go into effect on March 19th.
Exemptions are provided for humanely bred, reared or sheltered animal, according to the city, and existing pet stores will be given time "to adjust" to the new law.
Councilman Jeffrey Prang says the goal of the new law is to eliminate the demand for commercially bred dogs and cats and reduce inhumane conditions in the breeding industry, which relies on retail pet stores for profit.
"This ordinance represents an important step toward ridding our nation of the cruelty of puppy mills and other commercial assembly-line animal breeders," Prang said. "The ordinance not only contributes to the fight against animal cruelty it also recognizes the enormous cost of pet overpopulation in our society, both fiscal and humanitarian impacts. I urge those seeking pet companionship to consider adoption from municipal shelters and other nonprofit rescue agencies."
The city of West Hollywood made headlines in 2003 when it banned cat declawing.
This newest ordinance was backed by the Companion Animal Protection Society, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Humane Society of the United States.
The West Hollywood City Council unanimously approved the ordinance earlier this month. The newly passed law will go into effect on March 19th.
Exemptions are provided for humanely bred, reared or sheltered animal, according to the city, and existing pet stores will be given time "to adjust" to the new law.
Councilman Jeffrey Prang says the goal of the new law is to eliminate the demand for commercially bred dogs and cats and reduce inhumane conditions in the breeding industry, which relies on retail pet stores for profit.
"This ordinance represents an important step toward ridding our nation of the cruelty of puppy mills and other commercial assembly-line animal breeders," Prang said. "The ordinance not only contributes to the fight against animal cruelty it also recognizes the enormous cost of pet overpopulation in our society, both fiscal and humanitarian impacts. I urge those seeking pet companionship to consider adoption from municipal shelters and other nonprofit rescue agencies."
The city of West Hollywood made headlines in 2003 when it banned cat declawing.
This newest ordinance was backed by the Companion Animal Protection Society, the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Humane Society of the United States.
