It’s official – the City of Richmond has become the first jurisdiction in Canada to ban the sale of puppies in pet stores.

The ban goes into effect in April 2011, and the city’s three local pet stores will have until that time to sell or remove puppies from their stores.

Richmond councillors approved the ban after hearing from dozens of residents and animal welfare advocates, including the BC SPCA, about the connection between pet stores and puppy mills.  

Reputable breeders do not sell to pet stores; puppy mills do.

In fact, the Canadian Kennel Club’s own Code of Practice prohibits members from selling puppies to pet stores, and last week, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies reiterated its opposition to selling dogs and also cats in pet stores.

Other municipalities are already looking to Richmond as an example of what can be done in their own community. Last month, Langley Township Coun. Jordan Bateman’s motion to have Township staff draft similar regulatory bylaws was unanimously supported by council. Bateman, who tells The Province newspaper Richmond has made it “100 times easier” for his community, anticipates that a bylaw will be brought forward for consideration within the next few weeks.

You can help fight puppy mills by making the BC SPCA, your local animal shelter or independent rescue groups your first adoption option. Adoption helps reduce the demand for animals from puppy mills and back yard breeders.

Meanwhile, the BC SPCA’s cruelty investigations department is working hard to stop puppy mills from operating and to rescue these innocent animals. 

Photo caption: Norman (above) was surrendered to the BC SPCA just days after being purchased from a pet store.

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.