(PRESS RELEASE) LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas City Council’s decision to repeal a pet sale ban in the city is “great news” for all involved, according to a spokesperson for a national pet care association.
“The Las Vegas City Council correctly recognized that its pet sale ban was based upon incorrect attacks from activists, not the facts of where Puppy Boutique and other pet stores source their pets,” said Josh Jones, Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs of Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC). “The city’s pet sale ban repeal is great news for pet lovers, the small businesses that faced enormous costs, and the city itself.”
The 4-3 vote on November 15 was a reversal of the city vote in 2016. The replacement of two Council members – one who voted in favor of the ban, one who opposed it – led to the reconsideration, then the reversal, of the ordinance. The city’s pet stores would have only been allowed to source cats and dogs from rescues and shelters, severely limiting available breeds and the ability of pet lovers to find the best companion animal for specific needs. One store, Puppy Boutique, would have had to close and reopen outside of the city.
The ordinance was to go into effect in January 2018. It would only affect pet stores, which are Nevada’s most highly regulated options for consumers looking for a pet.
“On behalf of our members locally and nationwide, PIJAC applauds city officials for recognizing that their city’s pet stores are not supporters of unethical breeders. Puppy Boutique, for example, passed an inspection earlier this month with flying colors,” said Jones. “Responsible pet stores like those in Las Vegas work only with licensed commercial breeders and ethical hobby breeders. This is why Puppy Boutique and other stores have thrived on their relationships with thousands of satisfied customers.”
“Pet stores have been part and parcel of the Las Vegas community for years,” concluded Jones. “Today, the City Council saved pet choice and the dreams of small business owners.”