City Council set to finalize ban of retail pet sales

The City Council is expected to give final
approval to a ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in the city of
San Diego, and to restrictions on parking oversized vehicles on Tuesday.

The ban on the retail sale of pets is designed to end the flow of
animals from so-called “puppy mills,” places located mostly out of state
where mothers are allegedly kept in inhumane conditions.

Private sales from breeders and adoptions from rescue organizations
would still be allowed. Chain stores like Petco and Petsmart frequently host
adoption events by such groups.

The owner of the main establishment to be affected by the ordinance,
David Salinas of San Diego Puppy, contended at a prior meeting that the puppies
he receives are bred in humane conditions at sites he has visited.

He said he receives a lot of repeat business because he sells quality
pets. He also said he has been under constant attack by extremists in the
animal rights movement.

The amendment to the municipal code makes it “unlawful for any person
to display, offer for sale, deliver, barter, auction, give away, transfer or
sell any live dog, cat or rabbit in any pet shop, retail business or other
commercial establishment located in the city of San Diego, unless the dog, cat
or rabbit was obtained from a city or county animal shelter or animal control
agency, a humane society or a nonprofit rescue organization.”

The ordinance on oversized vehicles would prohibit the parking of
oversized vehicles between 2 and 6 a.m., and within 50 feet of an intersection
at any time. Exceptions would be made for delivery trucks and school buses, and
residents could apply for permits for recreational vehicles to park for 24
hours, giving owners time to load and unload for trips.

The ordinance is in response to numerous homeowner complaints that large
vehicles block views and create traffic hazards when left along curbsides in
residential neighborhoods.

Councilman Kevin Faulconer, who spearheaded the effort to pass the
restrictions, said vehicles that are too big for neighborhoods cause public
safety, quality of life and environmental problems.

It could take several months to a year before the ordinance is
implemented, because the part that affects beach communities needs approval by
the California Coastal Commission.