File photo
File photo
San Antonio City Councilman Manny Pelaez has spearheaded the passage of a new pet sales ordinance that would require pet shops to only sell cats and dogs that come from a registered animal rescue group.
For example, an animal control agency or a county animal shelter would be considered acceptable registered rescue groups.
“This policy can better foster the adoption of animals in our community, diminish the amount of stray animals in our neighborhoods, and potentially increase our already high live release rate,” Pelaez said. “It is critical to note that commercial operations that sell cats and dogs can continue the practice. Only now they will do so by sourcing from shelters and rescue organizations instead of fueling an industry that too often overlooks animal welfare in the pursuit of profit.”
The Humane Society's Katie Jarl thanked the San Antonio City Council for ending the importation of hundreds of dogs from out-of-state puppy mills.
"Today’s vote signals that we are on the right side of animal welfare history and prioritize the adoption of pets locally,” Jarl said.
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