NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – The New Braunfels City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the buying and selling of cats and dogs from commercial breeding facilities.
The ordinance enacted on Tuesday impacted one pet store in the city — Puppyland.
Animal activists applauded after hearing the 4-3 vote. The Puppyland owner said he feels targeted since his business has to shut down due to the ordinance.
In a statement, Puppyland co-owner Justin Kerr said, “These draconian policies limit choice and create an unsavory black market.”
Kerr said Puppyland purchases from licensed breeding facilities. He said his business does not source from puppy mills.
Read Kerr’s full statement below:
“These ordinances do nothing to curb the tide of unwanted dogs and cats; nor do they contribute to New Braunfels’ issue of being unable to adopt pets. These draconian policies limit choice and create an unsavory black market. Puppyland is committed to the ethical and humane treatment of animals, we do not source from puppy mills, and we are committed to our customers for the lifetime of their fur-ever friend. Placing burdensome regulations on our small family-owned business may lead to our having to close or relocate our store to a more pro-business environment, where all ethical treatment of pet sales is welcome.”
The Humane Society in the New Braunfels area shelter reported an increase in pets needing a home.
William Stapleton, a Human Society staff member, said he doesn’t want more dogs without a home in the community.
“A lot of shelters are filling up,” Stapleton said.
New Braunfels will allow a one-year grace period. Puppyland ownership is asking the city council to reconsider. Otherwise, it will have to relocate and possibly take legal action.
Going forward, pet stores will have to keep a record of where pets are sourced from, such as shelters, for at least one year.