The Los Angeles city council is expected to vote on an ordinance to ban pet stores from selling dogs (as well as cats and rabbits) obtained form any supplier other than a shelter or rescue group. 

As most dogs sold at commercial pet stores come from large scale commercial breeders, (PUPPY MILLS) , these  operations, although legal, meet only the minimally allowable levels of care set forth by the ANIMAL WELFARE ACT. Females are bred in back to back heat cycles, to the point that their bones break and their teeth fall out.  They are crammed into filthy cages with little opportunity for exercise or socialization.  Luckily, my own puppy was rescued from one of these facilities.

According to a 2010 audit by the USDA’s office, over 5000 of the 8000 facilities reviewed were in violation of the act.  

Until these operations are shut down, the only way for a city to thwart these mills is make the sale of these animals UNLAWFUL.  

Reputable breeders rarely sell to pet stores. 

LA is the first city, and California the first state to adopt these laws.  With time hopefully our other 49 states will follow.  We must strive to make puppy mills nonexistent.