LEXINGTON, Ky. — An ordinance is moving forward that would ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores.
Former Petland employees spoke about their experiences at the April 9 City-County Council Committee meeting.
Daniel Helsdottir has always been an animal lover. She got a job at Petland in March of this year, but things didn't turn out as she expected. Helsdóttir said she noticed that the puppies were underweight, and in particular the Havanese puppies were not eating, which she noted is unusual behavior. She described the puppy as acting lethargic.
“Despite everything she went through, she was still being taken to customers on the sales floor and being tried to sell to people, and it was never revealed that she had a problem. ” said Helsdóttir.
Against these claims, “If a puppy shows signs of illness, we will note it and the puppy will be examined by a state-licensed veterinarian who is the store's consultant,” Petland said in a statement.
The health conditions of puppies and kittens at Lexington pet stores like Petland and Most Valuable Pets have caused enough concern that a pet sales ordinance was introduced by 11th District Councilwoman Jennifer Reynolds.
“Dogs and cats often come from what are known as puppy mills, are bred using unhealthy methods, often become diseased, and are then resold for a high price,” Reynolds says.
In an email to Lexington City Council members, Petland said: “Our store sources puppies from USDA-licensed breeders with no direct violations of inspection reports from the past two years. They comply with local, state, and federal regulations and are certified by Purdue University and the school By supporting the Canine Care Certified Breeder program, we're holding ourselves to even higher standards. We're committed to doing more.”
At the April 9 Social Services and Public Safety Committee meeting, City Council members unanimously voted in favor of moving the ordinance forward.
“This really resonates with me and I support this proposed ordinance,” said Vice Mayor Dan Wu.
Mr. Helsdóttir testified at the meeting.
Daniel Helsdottir loves his 11-week-old puppy, Luna. She has always loved animals and currently has two dogs. (Spectrum News 1/Geraldine Toleras)
“On behalf of the animals who cannot speak for themselves, I urge you to ban the sale of puppies in pet stores to avoid further unnecessary suffering,” said Helsdóttir. Ta.
She is pleased that city council members voted to advance the ordinance and hopes it will eventually pass.
“When I was a kid, I always said, 'One day I'll find a way to help animals, and that's okay.' And today is that day,” Helsdóttir said.
The ordinance is now in the hands of the full council. The matter will be reported again at the Social Welfare and Public Safety Committee meeting in May.
Other cities, including Elizabethtown and Louisville, have passed similar ordinances.
Most Valuable Pets is another pet store that would be affected if this ordinance is ultimately passed. That store sells both cats and dogs. Spectrum News reached out to them for comment but did not receive a response.
