On November 12, 2015 the esteemed Board of Chosen Freeholders unanimously voted acceptance of a resolution urging the banning of selling puppy mill dogs and cats in Mercer County, except by shelters and rescue organizations.  It is now up to the individual townships to vote on an "Ordinance of Municipality" banning the sale of puppy mill dogs and cats from pet shops.  Since a significant number of puppies and kittens sold at pet shops come from large-scale commercial breeding facilities where the health and welfare of the animals are not adequately provided for.  And since it has been documented that pet shops historically and currently have resided in or around our township, we want to let out township officials know that we do not want our money to support the cruelty of puppy mills.  Our Mayor and Councilpeople should understand that by NOT passing such an ordinance it would make Hamilton Township vulnerable to such stores opening up, or even worse, moving back to our township.  As recently pointed out in the papers over the last 6 months, pet stores near Hamilton do purchase dogs from Puppy mills (i.e. the accident on the PA turnpike June, 2015) and do not adhere to the State Laws regarding the care to both the dogs and the consumers (Jan, 2016 Trentonian).  These practices end up deceiving the general public at large and may cost them huge medical bills for their beloved pet(s).  Since restricting the retail sale of puppies and kitten to only those that are sourced from shelters or rescue organizations is likely to decrease the demand for puppies and kittens bred in these mills, and is likely to increase demand for animals from shelters and rescue organizations. Please help us let the Township officials in Hamilton that we support this "Ordinance of Municipality" banning the sale of puppy mill dogs and cat from pet shops.