County proposal on pet sales targets puppy mills

New pet stores in unincorporated Clark County would be forbidden from selling dogs, cats, rabbits or potbellied pigs under a proposed law.

Clark County commissioners will introduce the ordinance at their regular meeting on Tuesday. The item could return for a ratification vote at the commission’s June 6 meeting.

The ban would apply to pet stores that open after June 30.

It’s the third attempt in as many years by County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani to pass a law that would reduce Southern Nevada’s market demand for animals from puppy mills and other largescale commercial pet-breeding operations.

“The animals are available wherever you want to get them,” Giunchigliani said. “There’s a rescue group for just about every breed in Southern Nevada.”

Since 2016 the commissioner has championed a similar law that would ban the retail sale of pets not obtained from animal shelters, humane societies or rescue organizations.

But those efforts fell short, most recently in October, after other commissioners questioned whether the law would put existing stores out of business.

Giunchigliani believes she has a winning combination this time because the newest draft of the ordinance would not affect existing pet stores unless they change location or owner after June 30.

“It’s a start,” she said, “but at least we won’t be trucking in animals from out of state where they stack them in crates.”

Joshua Jones, deputy director of government affairs for the Virginia-based Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, said in an email the law would cause more harm to local businesses than puppy mills.

“Unlike rogue internet pet sellers, or even shelters and rescues, pet stores are required to have a veterinarian examine animals offered for sale and they must transparently post certain health and breeder information,” Jones said. “In short, the proposed ordinance does not address the problem it is intended to solve.”

The Las Vegas City Council repealed last year a ban on pet stores selling animals not obtained through rescue or animal care organizations, which was slated to go into effect in January.