Aldermen OK Ban On Sale Of 'Puppy Mill' Animals At Pet Stores
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The City Council gave final approval Wednesday to an ordinance banning pet shops from buying their animals from so-called "puppy mills" and similar places.
WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, with little discussion, and only one alderman opposing the measure, aldermen voted to require pet shops to sell dogs, cats, and rabbits only if they've come from humane organizations and animal shelters, rather than for-profit breeders.
City Council Approves Ban On Sale Of Animals From Puppy Mills
Pet shop owners said it would put them out of business when it's in full effect, and leave their employees out of work.
Lane Boron, owner of Pocket Puppies in Lincoln Park, said aldermen instead should crack down on irresponsible shops, and not good ones like his.
"Is it not reasonable to go after the bad breeders, not legitimate businesses with no violations itself and, mind you, make the effort to ensure their breeders have no violations, as I have done?" said Boron.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who usually applauds himself on creating jobs, applauded aldermen for their vote.
"I'm for it. We just passed it. I think it's the right thing to do, as a person who grew up with three dogs," he said. "I think it's the right thing to do … and I'm proud that the City Clerk took the step forward to do that."
Clerk Susana Mendoza crafted the ordinance, and said pet shop owners can go into a more humane business.
She said animals bred at so-called "puppy mills" endure abusive conditions, and the ban "moves us towards a retail pet sales model that focuses on adopting out the many, many homeless animals in need of loving homes in this city."
The ordinance takes effect in one year.
