We request that a city law be enacted to ban the retail sales of companion animals - including dogs/puppies, cats/kittens and rabbits/bunnies in city pet stores unless those animals are obtained from an animal shelter or humane society, 501(c)(3) rescue organization, or county licensed responsible breeder (this does NOT include USDA licensed mills).

Many animals sold in retail stores come from Mills (large commercial breeders). Sadly, some are licensed by the USDA, although many are not licensed at all. (Please take a look at the link to discover just how horrible even USDA approved kennels can be - http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22670940/ns/health/t/buying-dog-beware-breeder/#.VzJrO4QrLIU ).  Mill and commercially bred animals are NOT required to be spayed or neutered, which adds to the shelter pet over-population problem and the needless killing of healthy animals every day. In this county alone, it is estimated that between 40 - 55% of animals in shelters will be murdered each year (http://www.pe.com/articles/shelter-663123-animal-animals.html). 

Reputable breeders DO NOT sell to retail stores. They are similar to rescues in that they want the pet to have the best chance at life possible. Reputable breeders to not keep their animals in cages for their entire lives or over-breed because it is not about about money for them! It's about preserving the breed standards and the general love of the breed - not greed. The parents of animals sold in retail stores are left in horrific conditions at mills and bred to death - never knowing the feeling of grass under their feet, toys to play with, a soft place to sleep, or even a gentle touch. (http://www.aspca.org/animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/closer-look-puppy-mills)

Many cities in San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties have already banned the sale of pet mill animals. Temecula will be the gateway to a ban in Riverside County, the 4th most populous county in the state. Should this ban occur, Temecula will be sending a powerful message to the County, State, and the whole of this country. We care about animal rights and the humane treatment of all animals. The senseless suffering of animals for the greed of human beings needs to STOP. 

For more information about this petition or to learn more about "Pet Mills" please email us at tempetmillban@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page "Temecula Pet Mill Ban."