How Much is That Doggie in the Window?

Does this look like the way a puppy should start life?

On May 31st, 2011 the Toronto Municipal Licensing and Standards committee (MLS) will meet to discuss a proposed ban on the retail sales of puppies and kittens in pet stores across the GTA. (Greater Toronto Area) The ban, which would make it illegal to sell puppies or kittens in pet stores, would curb the supply and demand from puppy mills as well as reduce incidences of impulse buying of animals which later end up in shelters because the decision to purchase was made spur of the moment. It would also (according to some) reduce the overpopulation of feral cats, and deal with concerns over treatment of animals in pet shops.

In a preliminary report issued by the MLS, the committee states: “Municipal Licensing and Standards recommends amendments to Article XX, Pet Shops of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing to clarify requirements for pet shop keepers.  In addition, MLS will ensure that establishments are regularly inspected for compliance.  MLS does not recommend an outright ban on the sale of cats and/or dogs, which could have a significant negative economic impact on pet shop owners.”

A significant negative economic impact on pet shop owners? Really? I and many other animal advocates do not agree with this statement. If banning retail sales of animals is going to have such a horrific negative impact on pet shop owners, does that not prove our point? I mean let’s look at this from a logical perspective shall we? The bulk of income in pet stores should not be from the sale of animals. Pet stores traditionally sell animal foods and accessories, sales of these items should far outweigh sales of live animals, which should make up only a small portion of a business’ yearly revenue.

The report goes on to say: “Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 545, Licensing, Article XX, Pet Shops addresses standards for the care and housing for animals being kept in pet shops. It also sets requirements for the overall condition that the pet shop must be kept in. Some of the bylaw requirements correspond with or go beyond what is outlined in the OSPCA Act. Examples of the Pet Shop by-law going beyond the requirements set out in the Act regarding care of animals include, but are not limited to:

1. Pet shop owners not keeping animals or birds in crowded quarters or cages

2. Pet shop owners not selling animals that are diseased or unfit for sale

3. Pet shop owner’s responsibility to ensure that any animal or bird indicating signs of sickness or disease is examined and appropriately treated within 24 hours of the onset of illness by a veterinarian or other qualified person
experienced in the care and treatment of the animal.”

The problem with this however is the fact that every inspector has their own take on what does and does not violate the Toronto Municipal code. A code which has been in place for years but does nothing to stop the mistreatment of animals in pet stores, or regulate the industry, because it is not actively enforced.

What we truly have to ask ourselves here is this, do we trust that the municipality will step up their inspection schedule, and enforce the existing licensing standards, or is this just the municipal governments way of attempting to appease animal rights activists by appearing to take action? How does this address the problem of reducing demand for puppy mill pups, or aid in reducing the population of feral cats on Toronto streets? Quite simply put, it doesn’t address either of those issues.

Surely the city of Toronto is aware that other municipalities have banned retail sales of animals (Richmond BC being the first municipality in Canada to pass the ban) with the result being little or no financial impact on pet shop proprietors. Surely the powers that be are aware that the present regulation of pet stores does nothing to stem the tide of animals from puppy mills being sold to the public as healthy companion animals?

Truth is the city doesn’t really care that they are dealing with lives and not inanimate merchandise, traditionally the powers that be view companion animals as property, and therein lies the problem. As long as we as a society refuse to see companion animals as living breathing beings that deserve humane treatment, the abuse and exploitation of animals for profit will continue.

Want to let the Toronto Municipal Licensing and Standards committee know how YOU feel about this issue? Here’s the link to their website:

Toronto Municipal Licensing and Standards

Don’t sit back and let the city make the decision for you, stand up and be counted. We owe it to the animals to ban retail sales.

Until Tomorrow Remember

BE THE CHANGE YOU SEEK!

Janette