Last year, a huge roar of praise was noticed around the net when the state of Arizona ruled that all dogs sold must come from shelters.
Now, the city of Boston is following its lead by making it illegal for dogs, cats, and rabbits from commercial breeders to be sold at both pet stores and public grounds, including parking lots and outdoor markets.
The Dodo reports that the momentous win for animal advocates and the furry ones they aim to protect was made law into law when the city’s mayor signed it on Wednesday.
The legislation was signed not only to curb the puppy mill and backyard breeding industries but to bring more hopeful pet owners to shelters rather than pet stores.
Animals raised in puppy mills and backyard breeding industries are rarely cared for as they should be, and abuse is not uncommon. Plus, it is nonsensical to breed animals when so many are lonesome in shelters, waiting for permanent homes.
According to Boston’s councilor, Matt O’Malley, the city currently has no pet stores that sell commercially bred dogs or cats. However, the bill will ensure that chains that do are kept out of the city.
The bill was passed unanimously by the city council.
Hopefully, in the future, more cities will enact similar legislation.
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