To the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, RE: Retail sale of puppies and kittens in stores.
Please rescind the clause that grandfathers in six existing businesses that are still selling puppies in their stores. Let’s join other Florida counties and cities in doing the right thing by completely phasing out the retail sales of puppies and kittens in stores.
These establishments have been reported to source their dogs from puppy mills and knowingly sell sick puppies, a practice that is not only unethical but also illegal under Florida's Pet Sale Provisions (Chapter 828.29, Florida Statutes). Puppy mills are notorious for their poor living conditions and disregard for the health and well-being of the animals they breed.
Furthermore, these pet stores have been accused of predatory lending practices. They offer financing options with high-interest rates to customers who cannot afford to pay upfront costs. This not only exploits vulnerable individuals but also contributes to a cycle of debt.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that there are approximately 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S., producing more than 2 million puppies annually while millions of dogs await adoption in shelters (ASPCA).
We believe it is time for Pinellas County to take a stand against these unethical practices by shutting down these retail pet stores. Join the more than 80 other Florida municipalities, including Hillsborough County, who have phased out the retail sale of puppies and kittens. We urge our local government officials and law enforcement agencies to investigate these allegations thoroughly and take appropriate action.
Pinellas County Residents: Please sign this petition if you agree that we must prioritize animal welfare over profit and protect our community members from predatory lending practices.