The Humane Pet Acquisition Proposal is a collection of templates, including an example ordinance, that cities or counties can use to combat puppy mills and address other problems related to
the retail sale of animals.
The proposal would ban
the retail sale of animals that are illegal to own, including farm animals with a provision to obtain a permit, and exotic, wild and dangerous animals.
Although Maryland state law already prohibits the sale of dogs and cats bred by illegal «puppy mills,» it does not ban
the retail sale of animals bred at large - scale commercial breeding facilities which, many will argue, are merely federally inspected, legal puppy mill operations.
A dozen cities in California, including Chula Vista, have banned
the retail sales of animals, according to the report.
Recognizing that the stray and abandoned pet problem is often perpetuated by the purchase of unsterilized, and sometimes unhealthy or aggressive animals, several municipalities have considered or are considering restrictions on
the retail sale of animals.