In a major win for animal welfare, the Denver City Council voted on September 15 to pass an ordinance banning pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. While Mayor Mike Johnston still needs to sign the measure for it to become law, the move sends a strong message: puppy mills have no place in Denver.
Although no city pet stores currently sell these animals, the ban sends a clear message. Supporters describe it as a preventive measure against retail breeding operations in the future.
The ordinance is supported by the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance, which includes the Denver Animal Shelter, Humane Colorado, and 21 other rescue organizations. Their goal: keep animals out of cruel commercial breeding facilities and promote adoption instead.
Puppy mills are notorious for prioritizing profit over animal welfare, often keeping dogs in filthy, overcrowded conditions with little to no veterinary care. Banning the retail sale of pets cuts off one of their main sources of revenue, pet stores.
Animal advocates are urging other cities to follow Denver’s lead. With the U.S. in the midst of a shelter crisis, there’s no excuse for breeding more animals when so many are already suffering. Each year, an estimated 920,000 shelter animals, 390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats, are euthanized, largely due to overbreeding, lack of spay and neuter efforts, and not enough homes.
Cities across the country are beginning to recognize the importance of shutting down the pipeline from puppy mills to pet stores. The solution? Encouraging pet stores to partner with shelters and offer adoptable animals instead, a compassionate alternative that saves lives.
Adopt Don’t Shop!
