Los Angeles Puppy ban
September 15, 2016
For most animal lovers, a puppy ban is enough to strike fear and terror in their hearts. The newly approved ban to prevent pet stores in Los Angeles from selling bred puppies, kittens and bunnies has shocked and confused pet-owners in the area.
It seems perplexing that the L.A. City Council would unanimously vote to outlaw a source of animal purchasing for the pet-adoring public. Those against this ban argue that breeders should have a right to sell animals to whomever they want in a democracy. Yet a closer look into the vote reveals that the ban is extremely important in helping the health of domesticated animals, and saving them from an untimely end.
To clarify, the ban only prevents pet stores from selling non-rescued animals to the public. Through the elimination of purposely bred animals from stores, pet owners or aspiring owners are encouraged to adopt an animal from a shelter, a place where unlclaimed animals are usually killed within a matter of weeks.
With this ban, hundreds of animals are being brought to the first place people look when searching for a pet, saving their lives and giving them another chance to be the beloved pet that they deserve to be.
By not purchasing their pets from breeders whose intentions are more focused on profits than the health of the animal, pet stores are now allowing in hundreds of puppies and kitties who were found on the street, thrown away, or abandoned alone to die.
As of 2015, the city euthanized over 14,000 dogs and cats who were left in shelters. This new law will push these animals into the pet stores and into the arms of responsible owners, taking the place of the purposefully bred pets that were sold by breeders for ridiculously high prices.
Those who argue that breeders bring in purebred pets to choose from in pet stores, by prioritizing the breed of dog, are sentencing thousands of mutts to death. The breed of the dog is not nearly as important as the fact that they deserve to be alive, loved and have a home. An animal’s looks should never be prioritized over its life and health, and by voting in this ban, the city is keeping pets safe and healthy.
