Landmark Legislation to Ban Sale of Dogs and Cats in Pet Stores Passed in West Hollywood, California

The West Hollywood City Council passed landmark legislation on Monday, February 1st, 2010 banning the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores unless from rescues and shelters. This law will prevent the sale of cats and dogs in West Hollywood from cruel puppy and kitten mills. The ordinance was passed unanimously by the City Council.

According to coverage by NBC Los Angeles, the ordinance stems from an investigation of a West Hollywood pet store, Elite Animals, by the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) which uncovered evidence that the shop allegedly misled consumers by selling puppy mill dogs and broke federal law by importing animals for resale.

Social Compassion in Legislation reports that the West Hollywood City Council not only received emails from local and state supporters on its proposed legislation but also from groups and individuals across the country and even as far away as the United Kingdom. The legislation "could be the beginning of the end of puppy mills and it's happening in West Hollywood, one of the most progressive cities on animal welfare issues," Ed Buck, Director of Social Compassion in Legislation.

In passing the legislation, West Hollywood continues its leadership in passing progressive animal welfare legislation. The city was the first in the U.S. to ban cat de-clawing. Many other California cities followed suit last year with their own de-claw bans.

Speakers at the council meeting included Dr. Allan Drusys of Social Compassion in Legislation, Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, Dawn Armstrong, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Humane Society, Chris DeRose, founder and president of Last Chance for Animals, and Carole Raphael Davis of the Companion Animal Protection Society.

A statement read by Norma Sandler for Bill Dyer of In Defense of Animals, who was unable to attend stated that "This unprecedented, historic action, in this Guardian city where the de-clawing of cats is also banned, will send a signal throughout our country for others to follow. West Hollywood will always be remembered as the city that had the foresight and compassion to first end the horrible commerce of puppy mills in our society."

Produced by Jeff Fleiss

Special Thanks to Everyone who has participated in this humane movement.

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[binkelsteinlouie]

I want other cities to follow this example of compassion. Thanks Carole Davis, Ed Buck and Companion Animal Protection, Animal Defense League and the city of West Hollywood!

[PawsitiveBliss]

Wow! I can't thank you guys enough for all your hard work and determination! I had tears in my eyes when the votes were spoken and the law passed. My tears were for all those cats/dogs whose voices were finally heard.

[smplystatd]

This IS about animal rights. This IS about protecting living creatures from the abuses humans levy upon them. If you view this as a loss of human rights, "dogcrazyredhead," you're the reason this legislation is needed. Congratulations to WH & the passionate people who contributed to this landmark legislation. As an animal-compassionate individual, I am extremely proud. I hope to see our own local municipality follow the lead of WH!

[dogcrazyredhead]

You are ok with a business using the government to block other legal and legitmate businesses from operating?

You are ok with the govt telling you you cant shop at walmart? Or maybe its ok for the government to tell you, you cant get food at your mom and pop restaurants you must buy from a franchise store. This isnt about animal rights, this is about a loss of human rights, what this country was founded on the ability to come here, work hard and succeed.

[7wolfs]

well done

[petersomewhere]

FANTASTIC!

[BorderlinesUK]

Brilliant News - lets get the word out, make some more changes and make a difference.

[BorderCollieRescueUK]

It only goes to show how simple it can be to block the outlets for puppy farmed dogs!

We only hope this step will be followed by other US Cities and States and spread throughout the rest of the world.

UK take note - we can do it here.

When we first heard about this proposal we were pleased to send WeHo Council a submission in support of the ban and we are even more pleased the ban proceeded.

We want to encourage other people to 'get active' and support moves of this nature.

STOP puppy farms

[puppyfarmersgotohell]

Well done to all involved. Lets hope we can get the same result in the U.K. It has been going on for far too long and it is time to STOP it. This brought a tear to my eye, for all those poor unfortunate animals who go through hell everyday, for the greed of man. Once again a BIG WELL DONE.

[drnorris56]

thank you for the animals

[petersomewhere]

Great job all! Carole, Carole, Ed, Jeff! all supporters. Barkworks here we come.....

[Bumperdog]

OMG!!!!

BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO!

Hope we can follow suit here in Vegas and in cities nationwide. You're the bomb!

Thank you, thank you ! So happy for the progress!