San Antonio Pet Stores Will Soon Be Required To Sell Only Shelter Animals

San Antonio city leaders have approved a code amendment that will restrict the sale of cats and dogs from pet stores inside the city limits.

The new ordinance, approved on Thursday, forbids retail pet stores from selling animals acquired from breeders.

This is an attempt to keep pet stores from getting dogs from "puppy mills," and instead working with local rescue organizations.

Animal Care Services Director Heber Lefgren, said that the new law will provide protection for people and pets with detailed health certificates and details on the originating agency.

Lefgren stated, "Puppy mills and unscrupulous breeders are all about maximizing the bottom line—bigger and bigger litters with little to no concern for their health. This innovative approach puts some much-needed transparency into the process for prospective pet owners while also ensuring animals are being treated humanely."

Katie Jarl Coyle, Humane Society of the United States Regional Director of State Affairs, stated, "We applaud the San Antonio City Council for passing this important animal welfare and consumer protection measure. This ordinance ensures puppy mill puppies will no longer be trucked into our city to be sold to unsuspecting consumers at local pet stores."

The ordinance will go into full effect on January 1st, 2021.

The ordinance will not impair anyone's ability to get a pet from animal shelters, rescue groups, or even a breeder who sells directly to the public.

Photo: Getty Images

Source: Patch