Title
Amending Chapter 10-100 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Animals," by providing requirements relating to the retail sale of certain animals, all under certain terms and conditions.
Body
WHEREAS, A significant number of puppies and kittens sold at pet shops come from large-scale, commercial breeding facilities where the health and welfare of the animals are not adequately provided for ("puppy mills" and "kitten mills," respectively). According to The Humane Society of the United States, it is estimated that 10,000 puppy mills produce more than 2,400,000 puppies a year in the United States and that most pet shop dogs and cats come from puppy mills and kitten mills; and
WHEREAS, The documented abuses endemic to puppy and kitten mills include over-breeding; inbreeding; minimal to non-existent veterinary care; lack of adequate and nutritious food, water and shelter; lack of socialization; lack of adequate space; and lack of adequate exercise; and
WHEREAS, The inhumane conditions in puppy and kitten mill facilities lead to health and behavioral issues with animals, which many consumers are unaware of when purchasing animals from retailers due to both a lack of education on the issue and misleading tactics of retailers in some cases. These health and behavioral issues, which may not present themselves until some time after the purchase of the animals, can impose exorbitant financial and emotional costs on consumers; and
WHEREAS, Current federal and state regulations do not properly address the sale of puppy and kitten mill dogs and cats in Philadelphia pet shops; and
WHEREAS, Restricting the retail sale of puppies and kittens to only those that are sourced from shelters or rescue organizations is likely to decrease the demand for puppies and kittens bred in puppy and kitten mills, and is likely to increase demand for animals from animal shelters and rescue organizations; and
WHEREAS, Due in large part to pet overpopulation, in 2012 the ...
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