Ordinance will close the puppy mill pipeline to Dallas and protect unsuspecting Texas families from deceptive financial practices. 

December 6, 2021

DALLAS, TX -- On Monday, December 6, the Dallas City Council Committee on Quality of Life, Arts, & Culture held a briefing agenda at 3 p.m. Led by Chair Council Member Adam Bazaldua, one of the briefing agenda items was the Dallas Humane Pet Store Ordinance. Since January, the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) has been working to pass the ordinance and ban the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores to prevent cruel breeding practices. Joined by the Humane Society of the United States, THLN presented to the committee to raise awareness, garner support, and ultimately pass this important Ordinance in early 2022.

“Similar to laws in over 30 states, the Humane Pet Store Ordinance will prohibit the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores and stop hundreds of sick puppies from being brought into Texas from puppy mills across state lines,” said Shelby Bobosky, Executive Director of THLN. “It will protect consumers from ending up with unhealthy puppies and illusory practices that lock unknowing Texans into years-long, deceptive financial commitments and high-interest rates on top of exorbitant vet bills.”

This Ordinance would also support dozens of local, Dallas-based humane pet stores that do not sell puppies but rather rehome thousands of dogs who need loving families.

“Over the years, our THLN hotline has regularly received complaints of Dallas retail stores selling sick or unhealthy puppies. We now have an opportunity to end a cruel practice that hurts puppies and unsuspecting Texans simply trying to get a new pet,” said Bobosky. “We are so grateful to Chair Bazaldua and Mayor Pro Tem West for their support and attention to such a vital animal welfare issue right here in our community.”

After the Council Committee members have been briefed, it is THLN’s hope that the Committee will ask for the Ordinance to move forward to the Dallas Animal Services Shelter Commission in January 2022, then to the Dallas City Council for their consideration in February 2022.

“We applaud Chairman Bazaldua and Mayor Pro Tem West for their support of this important ordinance and look forward to working with the City Council to ensure its passage,” said Lauren Loney, Texas State Director for the Humane Society of the United States. “The values of Dallas cannot be reflected by continuing to allow the sale of puppies from cruel puppy mills to unsuspecting local consumers.”

To learn more or schedule an interview, contact Cara Gustafson at (561) 797-8267 or [email protected]. 

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