Petland says the new ordinance will force them to close two stores in Lexington, arguing there are “solutions available that discourage puppy mills without shutting down legal businesses.”
The business says the council failed to engage with them during the crafting of the ordinance and that the new rule – which does allow animal shelters to adopt out cats and dogs through pet shops – would not prevent bad breeders from selling to Lexingtonians.
While Petland says animals showing signs of illness are documented and seen by the store’s consulting veterinarian, Spectrum News reports a speaker at an April public council meeting who identified herself as a former Petland employee said she witnessed underweight puppies and at least one animal who was displaying symptoms of illness but still being shown on the sales floor.
More than 80 animal welfare and related Kentucky groups lined up behind the ordinance, which mirrors rules on the books in hundreds of other cities.
Petland says it’s exploring all legal remedies to challenge the ordinance and is working for a “fair and reasonable solution” for businesses and consumers.
