LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan County Council is considering a proposal to restrict the sale of dogs and cats in retail stores. Todd Blevins, Kentucky state director for the Humane Society of the United States, told members that these stores often source animals from so-called kitten mills and puppy mills.
“This is an umbrella term for organizations that prioritize profit and maximum production of animals over the welfare of the animals themselves,” Blevins explained. Blevins said the ordinance does not force any stores to close, and they can still offer products, services and other animals. He went on to share the story of a family who brought home a sick pet from a Lexington store, arguing that the environment in which the pet was kept was likely the cause of the illness.
“Some people bought kittens. Some people bought kittens. Some people bought puppies. And unfortunately, each of those animals died within a few days.” Blevins said.
Blevins declined to say which store he bought the animals from. He is one of only two retailers in Lexington that sells pets directly. The rest will partner with local shelters and rescue efforts, which is still allowed under the ordinance. Petland is one of two stores subject to the ordinance.
“The serious health effects are less than 2.5%,” Elizabeth Kunzelman told FOX 56. Kunzelman is Petland's vice president of legislative and public affairs, and she said the store will be forced to close.
“We can't stay open. We're a puppy store. That's 80 percent of our revenue,” Kunzelman said. She believes that their storefronts are being unfairly targeted and that this ordinance does nothing to curb “backyard breeders.” These breeders are likely avoiding health and safety, she argued, and people have the wrong idea about where Petland's animals come from.
“They said USDA inspection once a year is not enough. These breeders are also inspected by Purdue and often the state's AKC Canine Care certification program. Tests will be conducted,” Kunzelman said.
Kunzelman said everyone who purchases from Petland receives complete information about the breeder, and the store offers a money-back guarantee if your pet develops a health problem within three years. She said her biggest frustration was that she received no response when she tried to reach out to city leaders about the issue.
“I found it incredible that the council would pass something without asking or talking to businesses about whether it would impact them,” Kunzelman said. .
The ordinance passed a council committee unanimously and will be voted on by the full council soon.
