Title
An Ordinance amending the Pittsburgh City Code at Title 6: Conduct, Article III: Dogs, Cats and Other Animals, by adding a new Chapter 638 - Sale of Dogs, Cats and Rabbits, making it unlawful to sell commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores, retail businesses or other commercial establishments in the city of Pittsburgh.
Body
WHEREAS, a significant number of puppies, kittens and rabbits sold at pet shops come from inhumane large-scale, commercial breeding facilities where the health and welfare of the animals are not adequately provided for ("puppy mills," "kitten mills," and "rabbit mills" respectively). According to The Humane Society of the United States, it is estimated that 10,000 puppy mills produce more than 2,400,000 puppies a year in the United States and that most pet shop dogs, cats and rabbits come from their respective mills; and
WHEREAS, 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 space and exercise; and
WHEREAS, the inhumane conditions in puppy and kitten mill facilities lead to the health and behavior issues in the animals bred in those facilities, which many consumers are unaware of when purchasing animals from pet shops due to both a lack of education on the issue and misleading tactics of pet shops in some cases. These health and behavioral issues, which may not present themselves until sometime after the purchase of the animals, can impose exorbitant financial and emotional costs on consumers; and
WHEREAS, the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits from such commercial breeding facilities contributes to the proliferation of homeless or unwanted animals that end up in public animal shelters; and
WHEREAS, prohibiting the sale of commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores, retail businesses or other comm...
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