Letter to Councillors
Thank you to everyone who contacted their councilor. The by-law has been passed and this form has been disabled.
As a person who loves and respects animals, I am writing you today to express my support for the creation of a by-law in the City of Kingston to ban the sale of non-rescue/shelter dogs, cats and rabbits in retail pet stores. As my municipal representative, I urge you to learn why this ban is needed and to take action to bring this by-law into effect.
Why is a ban needed? There are many reasons:
Stores that sell pets support animal mill operations and backyard breeders
The owners of these operations – like puppy mills and rabbitries – see animals as products that can turn a profit. The breeding parents are most often housed in horrendous conditions living their lives as mini-factories churning out merchandise. They are not treated humanely, do not receive medical care when needed and live a life of suffering. 90% of animals sold in pet stores originate from backyard breeders or mill operations. Stores that sell pets support animal abuse and neglect.
Stores that sell pets depend on impulse buys
Purchasing or adopting an animal is a commitment for life. For dogs, cats and rabbits that life is 10 and likely many more years. Pet store operators do not consider the consequences of selling an animal to someone who may not be prepared for that commitment, in fact, they depend on impulse purchases.
The sale of pets in stores increase the number of animals in shelters and rescues
Because stores that sell pets encourage impulse buys, many animals purchased end up in animal shelters and rescues when they are no longer wanted. Kingston’s animal welfare organizations are severely overburdened and underfunded. The sale of pets in stores contribute to the massive pet overpopulation in our community, which is often controlled through euthanasia.
In our community more than 40% of the cats and nearly 20% of the dogs who end up in a shelter will be euthanized, primarily as a means of population control. Overpopulation is a frighteningly serious issue in our community. Banning pet store sales will not solve pet overpopulation, but it will have a significant impact.
Animals raised in mills and by backyard breeders have serious health problems
Backyard breeders and mill operators repeatedly breed animals that have genetic deficiencies and health problems. The babies born often have medical problems due to being ill-bred and neglected.
Customers who buy animals in stores are frequently and unknowingly bringing home a very sick pet. When vet bills become overwhelming, the animals become unwanted. Rescues and shelters receive animals that have serious medical problems due to their origin.
I urge you to take this issue seriously and ask that you act in the best interest of the animals and our community. Please support banning the sale of non-rescue/shelter dogs, cats and rabbits in Kingston retail pet stores.
Thank you.
