Animal Activists Heart Irvine Co.'s Pet-Store Ban

A recent decision made by the Irvine Co. has earned the thanks of some animal activists.

The company—which owns Fashion Island in Newport Beach and the Irvine Spectrum, in addition to other properties—wrote a letter to Sukhee Kang, mayor of Irvine, in July stating its new position against the retail sale of dogs and cats.

According to Erin Freeman, spokeswoman for the Irvine Co., the move followed the city of Irvine's move to consider passing an ordinance ending the retail sale of dogs and cats in the city.

"Effective immediately, the Irvine Co. will not lease space in any of its centers to tenants that intend to sell dogs or cats," Freeman said in a released statement. "The company's ban was made based on retail industry trends. As a private company, we’re not elaborating beyond that."

Several animal rights groups have publicly thanked the Irvine Co. for the ban, including the Companion Animal Protection Society.

"We applaud the Irvine Co. for listening to the public and for following the national trend toward the more humane way of doing business,” said Carole Davis, the group's West Coast director.

The Irvine Co. will honor its existing contract with Russo’s Pet Experience—which has been at Fashion Island for decades and at the Irvine Spectrum—until the expiration of its current lease, Freeman said.

The owner of Russo's did not return phone calls seeking comment for this story.

The Irvine Co.'s announcement comes a few weeks after CAPS launched an investigation into I Heart Puppies in Corona del Mar. The store has been protested twice by the Animal Protection and Rescue League of Orange County, which also has been focusing on Russo's.

"APRL has confirmed that Russo's obtains their dogs from puppy mills. We do not support businesses who profit from the misery of dogs and contribute to the overpopulation of animals," said Brenda Calvillo, the group's spokeswoman. "We have written letters to Russo's and made numerous attempts to offer our assistance at helping them convert to a humane business model.  We have yet to hear from them."  

APRL has scheduled a protest for Russo's Saturday at the Irvine Spectrum location from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.