The Chicago City Council today voted 49-1 to make the retail sale of commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits in Chicago a thing of the past.
The measure was pushed by City Clerk Susana Mendoza, whose office sells dog licenses.
"It cuts off a pipeline of the animals coming from the horrendous puppy mill industry and instead moves us towards a retail pet sales model that focuses on adopting out the many, many homeless animals in need of loving homes in this city," she said. "Under this ordinance, the retail pet stores in Chicago will no longer be able to sell dogs, cats or rabbits unless those animals are sourced from humane sources, such as animal shelters or animal rescue associations."
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Dozens of other U.S. cities — including Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix — have banned the retail sale of dogs raised by commercial operations. Animal rights activists contend puppies from mills are prone to disease, congenital defects and poor socialization, which leads to owners giving them up to tax-subsidized animal control facilities.
