San Diego has now banned the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores.
On Tuesday, the San Diego City Council voted unanimously for the ban, 10News reported. The tentative decision, which should go into effect in 30 days, makes San Diego the second largest city in the country with this type of ban. Los Angeles is the largest city.
Now, retailers will have to get their dogs, cats, and rabbits from city or county animal shelters, humane societies, and nonprofit rescue groups, according to NBC San Diego.
Pet stores will also have to keep certificates proving the origin of their animals, KFMB-TV reported.
Before Tuesday's vote, testimonies were heard from both animal rights activists supporting the ban and pet store owners opposing it, U-T San Diego reported.
Dr. Gary Weitzman, CEO of the Humane Society, shed light on the controversy:
"It will absolutely not affect backyard breeders, or hobby breeders, or responsible, reputable breeders that are actually doing a great job at providing great dogs that often aren't in a shelter or rescue environment," he told KFMB-TV.
Councilwoman Lorie Zapf, who introduced the amendment, told 10News that she just wants to "ensure that [animals] are treated well, and humanely."
H/T msnNOW
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