Puppy Ban Enacted in Florida Town

How much is that doggie in the window won’t be a question asked by residents of Palm Beach Gardens any longer.

The city council there approved a measure July 10 that effectively bans the sale of puppies in pet stores, according to WPTV.com. The move is hoped to curb the sale of puppy mill puppies that are ill and often mistreated, the station reported.

While pet store owners in Palm Beach Gardens spoke out against the measure, the Florida town isn’t alone in enacting a ban on the retail sale of puppies. San Diego, Los Angeles, Albuquerque and a handful of other cities across the country have enacted similar laws, according to the International Business Times.

While animal rights groups are promoting bans on the sale of puppies in pet shops, store owners across the country say the trend is “absurd.”

“It’s the result of an animal-rights-extremist type movement,” pet shop owner David Salinas told the Times when San Diego enacted its ban. ““We’re not Communist Russia. Americans should have a right to choose where they can shop.”

Regardless of opinions, Palm Beach Gardens’ pet stores now have 180 days to sell out their current stock. Stores are still allowed to sell rescue dogs.

What are your thoughts on this? Does a ban go too far? Tell us by commenting below.