Last September Pasco County Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance forbidding the retail sale of dogs and cats. This ordinance was passed in an effort to curtail the operations of puppy and kitten mills, which have been the long-time providers of these animals to retail establishments. This ordinance also encouraged pet stores to partner with rescue organizations and shelters to help connect animals needing a home with people looking for a new family pet.
 
A significant number of puppies and kittens sold at pet stores come from large-scale breeding facilities where the animals are kept in inhumane and squalid conditions. Many of these animals are not provided the nutrition, socialization, or vet care they need as the breeder's only concern is mass-producing pets for sale the way a car factory attempts to mass-produce vehicles for sale.
 
We urge Pinellas to join Pasco and Hillsborough counties in showing that it cares about animal welfare by joining those counties in passing an ordinance prohibiting the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. More than 80 cities and eight counties in Florida have already passed similar ordinances and it's time for Pinellas to do the same!