Sandy Springs Bans Retail Sale Of Cats, Dogs

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- The city of Sandy Springs is among a small, but growing number of municipalities that have enacted laws banning the sale of cats and dogs obtained from so-called puppy mills at pet stores.

In turn, these stores would be allowed to host adoptions with cats and dogs obtained from animal care facilities such as shelters or rescue groups. The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance at its Nov. 21 meeting, a decision that was met with applause from the several residents gathered in the Council Chambers.

“By limiting pet stores to adoptions only, we reduce the opportunity for unethical, large-scale breeders – those operating puppy mills – to profit on the inhumane treatment of animals,” said Sandy Springs City Attorney Dan Lee. “In addition, the ordinance promotes animal adoption, helping those animals in our shelters find loving homes.”

The ordinance also calls on stores to maintain records to document the sources of all dogs and cats that come into the facility as well as posting the name of the facility or rescue organization it uses in a "visible space," the city added.

Councilman John Paulson said he received emails stating the city's ordinance would shut down pet stores, something the elected official said was not happening.

In a letter of support of the ordinance, the Humane Society of the United States wrote that it has worked with more than 240 localities to enact similar ordinances. The Code of Ethics for the National Breed Clubs representing all 178 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Association found that 96 percent of those National Clubs include statements that their breeders should not and/or do not sell to pet stores.

Pet stores selling animals in violation of the ordinance can be fined up to $500 per violation. The ordinance went into effect upon its adoption.

Earlier this year, the cities of Canton and Woodstock enacted similar ordinances, according to Best Friends Animal Society, an organization that promotes pet education and adoption services.

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