LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Metro City Council members last September passed a city ordinance that would make it illegal for pet stores to sell dogs and cats in the city by next year.
But Senate Bill 157 is currently moving through Frankfort and could overturn that ordinance before it takes effect.
SB 157 would restrict retail pet stores by providing by law that no county, local government, or agency thereof may adopt or enforce any rule, regulation, code, or ordinance that prohibits the operation of retail pet stores. We support.
Michelle Lawson, founder of Kentucky Animal Action, said the bill goes against the state's values.
“SB 157 is particularly interesting because it takes away decision-making,” Lawson said. “Because a supermajority of Kentuckians support local decision-making at the local and county level.”
The bill would overturn a Metro Council ordinance that says dogs and cats can only be purchased from shelters, shelters or breeders who sell directly to the public.
Karen Jenkins, regional manager for Puppy Glam Louisville, said she opposes the ordinance because it also restricts consumers.
“It deprives the right people who should be able to choose how they acquire their pets and forever fur babies,” Jenkins said. “It excludes law-abiding companies.”
Lawson said she and her organization realized that the Louisville Metro Animal Shelter lost its “no-kill” status last year, leading to overpopulation at the animal shelter. .
“We're at the point where we're figuring out how to deal with overpopulation as best we can,” Lawson said. “And now the cards are stacked against us. The numbers are just overwhelming for everyone involved. Perhaps COVID-19 has pushed us further in terms of animal welfare. I think it set us back 20 years.”
Jenkins said Puppy Glam Louisville doesn't sell spayed or neutered animals because they don't want to restrict owners' rights to breed their pets.
“A lot of people say, 'Adopt, don't shop,' in their statements to us,” Jenkins said. “Well, they adopt from us because they become their forever families, but adopting from a local shelter isn’t necessarily right for everyone.”
Although Frankfort's bill is in its early stages, it could soon shape the future of how consumers own their pets.
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