Workshop Item Michelle Wolfe, City Manager
Title
Title
Council Requested Items for Discussion
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Background
Councilmembers may have items they would like to request discussion on that are not currently on an agenda. Once an item has been identified, Council will decide whether to proceed with discussion and direct staff to follow up and bring forward to a future workshop.
Submitted topics listed below:
Pet Store Ordinance - Submitted by Councilmember Smith
Description
Ensure there is transparency in where pets obtained in the city of Blaine are coming from. Across the country, thousands of independent pet stores as well as large chains operate profitably with a business model focused on the sale of pet services and supplies and not the sale of commercially bred dogs or cats. Many of these stores collaborate with local animal shelters and rescue organizations to offer space and support for showcasing adoptable homeless pets on their premises.
Federal and State regulations do not properly address the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. Very few businesses choose a business model that offers pets for sale which leaves it to local government to pass ordinances that match the needs/values of local residents.
Consumers’ can have ability to obtain a dog or cat of their choice directly from an animal shelter, or breed-specific rescue organization, or from a breeder where the consumer can see directly the conditions in which the dogs or cats are bred or can confer directly with the breeder concerning those conditions without pets being offered for sale in stores.
Roseville passed an ordinance that puts some constraints around pet sales which could be an ordinance to start from. <https://www.cityofroseville.com/DocumentCenter/View/28563/Title-5-Police-Regulations_210226> A total ban on sales could be an area for Council discussion but at the very least I’d propose there should be full transparency in where the pets are coming from (exact expectations of transparency should be made clear).
How does this topic align with the Strategic Plan? If not, why should the council consider the topic:
No direct strategic alignment, consider as a consumer protection for residents
Urgency Level: High (next workshop); Medium (next 2-3 workshops); Low (held for an open spot):
Medium