The Oceanside City Council moved one step closer to banning large-scale commercial retail sale of dogs and cats – more commonly known as “puppy mills” – after they approved a proposal last night.
The ordinance, which will face final approval at the end of the month, would prohibit the commercial dog breeding operation where profit trumps the well-being of dogs.Animal rights activists have been lobbying for bans across the state and say the sites are inhumane to many animals.
The city council previously held two public hearings on the issue, one in 2013 and one in 2014. The public opposition during those two meetings was “substantial.” If passed, animals sold in retail stores will have to be obtained from an animal shelter, a humane society, an animal rescue organization or a non-commercial breeder.
Puppy mills differ from dog breeders in that the puppy mills do not put a priority on producing the healthiest puppies possible, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said. The breeding that occurs at mills often results in dogs with unchecked hereditary defects.
Oceanside joins more than 15 California cities with a similar ban in place, including the City of San Diego, Chula Vista and Los Angeles. San Diego passed their ordinance in July 2013.
The proposal from Wednesday night’s meeting said that several Federal lawsuits involving similar laws are pending across the country as a result of similar laws passed.
There is no word on what the punishment will be for people who violate the ban.
