Surrey latest Metro city to restrict pets sold in stores

Animal advocates are applauding Surrey’s move to ban the sales of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores.

Those caught selling a prohibited animal could face a fine of up to $500. The bylaw amendments were approved Tuesday and are a “step forward in preventing animal cruelty,” according to Amy Morris, the B.C. SPCA’s public policy manager.

“Surrey council is standing up against the importation of dogs from puppy mills and the inherent cruelty involved with unscrupulous breeders,” said Morris in a statement. “The restriction also reduces the issues that can arise from impulse purchases of domestic animals.

“With so many cats and rabbits being abandoned and surrendered to shelters and rescues, this is the right move.”

There are currently 22 retail pet shops in Surrey, but none sell dogs or cats. The shops currently function as satellite adoption centres for dogs and cats, set up through partnerships with local shelters. According to the Canadian Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers’ Association codes of ethics, breeders are not allowed to sell to pet stores.

Many of the Surrey stores do, however, sell rabbits. According to a city report, the Surrey Animal Resource Centre took in 70 rabbits last year, but only three were returned to their owners. There are currently 30 rabbits at the shelter and concerns have been raised about feral rabbits becoming a problem in Surrey.

Other Metro Vancouver cities that have made the same move include Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta and Richmond.

The ban will take effect in June.