Westfield Bans Sale Of Pets From Puppy, Kitten Mills

WESTFIELD, NJ — Following a more than one hour-long heated public hearing, the Westfield Town Council unanimously passed an ordinance that would ban retail pet stores in Westfield from selling dogs and cats from puppy and kitten mills.

"This governing body believes it is in the best interests of the town to adopt reasonable regulations to reduce costs to the Town of Westfield and its residents, protect the citizens of the municipality who may purchase cats or dogs from a pet shop or other business establishment, help prevent inhumane breeding conditions, promote community awareness of animal welfare and foster a more humane environment in the Town of Westfield," according to the ordinance.

The ordinance notes that it will not affect a consumer’s ability to obtain a dog or cat of his or her choice directly from a breed-specific rescue organization or shelter, or from a hobby breeder where the consumer can see directly the conditions in which the dogs and cats are bred or can confer directly with the hobby breeder concerning those conditions.

Currently, there are no pet stores in the township that sell from mills.

Westfield joins more than 150 New Jersey municipalities, including Cranford, Springfield, Scotch Plains and Fanwood, who also passed similar ordinances.

"The documented abuses endemic to puppy and kitten mills include over-breeding; inbreeding; minimal to non-existent veterinary care; lack of adequate and nutritious food, water and shelter; lack of socialization; lack of adequate space; and lack of adequate exercise," the ordinance stated.

During the controversial public hearing 18 people, the majority were non-Westfield residents, spoke favoring both sides of the argument.

Some called the ordinance "unfair to pet store owners" while others listed inhumane conditions for pets sold from puppy and kitten mills.

Owner of Shake A Paw, Jeff Morton also spoke and questioned Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle's motives with the ordinance. He claimed Brindle, who has personal involvement in animal rescue impairs her judgement.

"It is in clear violation of the government ethics law," Morton said of Brindle's decision to create this ordinance.

The ordinance was unanimously passed during the April 10 council meeting followed by an applause from the audience.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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