Las Vegas City Officials Repeal Pet Sale Ban

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“The Las Vegas City Council voted to repeal a ban that would have prevented pet stores from selling dogs, cat and potbellied pigs that didn’t come from a rescue organization or animal care facility,” according to an article from Las Vegas Now.

This decision is “great news” for all involved, according to a Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) spokesperson.

“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 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 Las Vegas City Council’s decision to overturn its sales ban is great news for all who care about pets,” Jones told Pet Age. “This was the result of a comprehensive effort by the industry—from local stores to national associations like PIJAC—without which the ban would still be in place.”

 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 contentious city council meeting involved hours of testimony from the public both in favor of the ban and for the repeal. Much of the discussion focused on two pet stores in Las Vegas—Petland and [Puppy] Boutique,” Las Vegas Now reported.

According to PIJAC, 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. Puppy Boutique, would have had to close and reopen outside of the city, PIJAC said.

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,” Jones said. “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,” Jones added. “Today, the city council saved pet choice and the dreams of small business owners.

“Mayor [Carolyn] Goodman and the City Council have expressed interest in replacing the ban with sourcing, transparency, and animal care language,” Jones told Pet Age. “PIJAC looks forward to being involved in these discussions, and to doing our part to ensure that the City Council properly regulates all who care for about and companion animals.”