Puppy Mill Ban Approved By City Council
By Chuck Sudo in News on Mar 7, 2014 9:30PM
Earlier this week the Chicago City Council approved by a 49-1 vote an ordinance banning the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits from large-scale breeding operations, aka “puppy mills,” at pet stores within the city limits. The "Companion Animal and Consumer Protection Ordinance" had the support of local and national animal rights groups and was spearheaded by City Clerk Susana Mendoza who said the ordinance “moves us toward 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, which takes effect next March, will require prospective pet owners to buy pets from animal shelters, humane societies and rescue centers but it isn’t as wide ranging as it could be. The ordinance doesn’t cover online sales of pets or purchases from smaller, specialty breeders who sell directly to customers. Veterinarians will still be able to place animals from their clinics at pet stores, as well.
The Tribune spoke with James J. Sparks, owner of a pet store in Mt. Greenwood. Sparks intimated the measure would hurt his business and other pet stores because it doesn’t define a puppy mill from a smaller breeder.
The one nay vote belonged to Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) who said he felt the ordinance would simply force the puppy mill problem to the suburbs and that state legislation was needed. Susan Nawrocki, owner of a pet shop on the Northwest Side, told the Tribune she would be moving her business out of Chicago. “I don't need Chicago. Chicago needs us,” she said.