Easier To Just Ban Pet Sales? Downers Grove Debates Ordinance

DOWNERS GROVE, IL -- "Animals don't have a voice and that's why you're seeing such a turnout," Dr. Barb Hanek, who works as DuPage County's veterinarian administrator said at Downers Grove's village council meeting Tuesday about proposed restrictions to pet sales. Animals may not be able to speak, but community members spoke for them for nearly two hours in what Mayor Tully called a "robust" discussion that even included an appearance by a pet dog.

Even before the public comment portion of the meeting began, Commissioner Earl said the issue has prompted "more email that we've gotten on this than anything since I've been sitting up here."

The hot-button ordinance, which had its first reading Tuesday, would "prohibit pet stores to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits" in Downers Grove unless the animals come from an "animal care facility, animal rescue organization, or humane society."

Much of the public comment and council discussion centered around this issue of a pet store's supply chain, with many suggesting involving the West Suburban Humane Society to help approve supply chains and deal with enforcement.

Across the board, commissioners and residents appeared to be in favor of that part of the ordinance, which Tully said had come to its reading at "lightning fast" speed, though concerns arose about the wording and potential enforcement.

Council members and those who made public comment were at odds, though, with the proposed ordinance's amortization period for the sole pet store in Downers Grove, Happiness Is Pets. As written, the ordinance would allow Happiness Is Pets to operate under its current business model until its lease expires on Dec. 31, 2022.

Commissioner Earl, who has purchased puppies from Happiness Is Pets, said the amortization period "absolutely needs to be shorter," echoing the sentiments of Commissioner Waldack, who proposed an amortization period of 60 days.

"If we believe this is a moral issue, the only answer is now," Commissioner White said.

Bryan Mundt, who stepped up to make public comment alongside his wife, who was holding a rescue dog named Batty Boop, called the ordinance a "step in the right direction" urged members to pass the ordinance with "reduced amortization."

Mundt said he and his wife rescued Batty Boop at 8 years old after she was a breeding dog at a puppy mill and "completely unsocialized." He said she "still terrified of strangers" and is the "living embodiment" of potential problems that can arise if dogs are raised in puppy mils.

"The first 8 years of her life going [to the bathroom] in a cage without being properly trained," which led to long-term issues with house-training, Mundt said. He added that Batty Boop still "spins in circles" as though she were confined to a cage.

Mundt was followed by John Berning, from Happiness Is Pets, who challenged council members and commenters to "come see [the store's] breeders for themselves."

Berning said Happiness Is Pets works with USDA-licensed breeders that "either meet or exceed" recent standards proposed by the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States."

"The claim our puppies are mill-bred is an extraordinary claim, Berning said. He added, "That claim requires extraordinary evidence."

After the passionate public comment, Mayor Tully said, "I almost think this ordinance doesn't go far enough." He addressed the potential for enforcement issues and mused, "Would it be better just to ban the sale of animals, period? It'd be a lot easier to deal with that"

Commissioner Earl, who has four dogs, said the issue hits close to home for her and pressed the council for quick action.

She said she went with her daughter to Happiness Is Pets "on a whim" and bought a puppy.

"That dog lived out its very short life with us and was very ill the whole time we had it," Earl said.

"I feel bad for anybody who does get into the same situation that I've been in and I would like to not see it happen again, Earl said.

"It's not new. It's been a problem for ages and it's time we do something about it."

The ordinance would require retailers who sell dogs, cats, or rabbits would have to provide a written disclosure signed by the customer and retailer, kept on file for two years, and made available to authorized village official upon request.

Village officials said they will consider feedback presented at Tuesday's meeting and write a new draft of the proposed pet sales ordinance. The issue is expected to come up for a vote as early as March 5.

You can watch the full village meeting here:

Image via YouTube, VillageDownersGrove