The ordinance was voted on and passed by the Urban County Council in April of 2024, with proponents arguing pet stores are able to obtain animals through puppy mills.
"It's a general term for an entity that prioritizes profit and maximum production of animals over their own well-being," Kentucky director for the Humane Society of U.S Todd Blevins said.
Pet store chain Petland took Lexington to court over the ban, but with the closure of the store, the case was dismissed on December 2.
Now, the city tells the Lexington Herald-Leader the ordinance is being enforced. Stores selling cats and dogs now face a $500 fine per animal.
Yet the dismissal of the Petland case may not be the end of the story.
Earlier this year, the Kentucky General Assembly debated a bill that would have done away with Lexington's ban, and any bans like it across the state. The measure would also have prohibited pet shops from selling dogs or cats that did not come from shelters or what it called "qualified breeders." Animal advocates, however, worried aloud that the definition of "qualified breeder" could allow puppy mills to continue acting as suppliers to pet stores.
Lawmakers return to Frankfort in January and would have the option of reviving the bill.