LA City Council Approves Ban To Keep Stores From Selling Breeder Pets

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — By a vote of 13-2 Wednesday, the Los Angeles City Council approved a ban that would keep stores from selling commercially bred dogs, cats or rabbits.

Pet lovers will still be able to buy animals directly from breeders.

Councilman Paul Koretz  said he introduced the ban to reduce the number of animals that LA euthanizes each year. The intention is also to shut down puppy and kitten mills.

Los Angeles euthanized more than 21,000 dogs, cats and rabbits in each of the past two years -- almost 40 percent of the animals in shelters.

The law goes into effect in six months.

Companion Animal Protection Society West Coast Director Carole Raphaelle Davis said the law would help end "the blood money contracts between puppy mill owners who abuse animals and L.A. pet retailers."

The two "no" votes were cast by Councilmen Bill Rosendahl and Mitchell Englander.

Stores that violate the ban face a $250 fine for the first offense. The Council says a store violating the ban for a third time would be fined $1,000.

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