Source: MSN
Pet store owners in San Francisco are pushing back against a recommendation from the city’s Commission of Animal Control and Welfare to ban the sale of live animals in pet stores. Business owners argue the proposal would threaten their livelihoods and unfairly target stores that responsibly care for rescued and surrendered animals.
Several longtime pet store owners said they often spend years caring for animals before finding homes for them and questioned whether a ban would actually reduce animal purchases. Critics warned that consumers may simply turn to online sellers or unregulated sources instead. Supporters of the proposal, including more than 60 organizations and dozens of rescue groups, argue that pet stores are not always equipped to properly care for animals and that broader retail bans are gaining momentum in other California communities.
The recommendation has not yet been approved by city leaders, and at least one supervisor has already voiced opposition, saying humane standards can be improved without implementing a complete ban.