Last week, Denver joined more than two dozen Colorado municipalities in banning pet sales after Mayor Mike Johnston signed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores across the city and county, according to local news.
The measure also allows shops to continue hosting adoption events; however, it does not prevent local breeders from selling animals directly to the public.
Since no pet stores in Denver currently sell these animals, an immediate impact won’t be felt. The intent is to block large breeding operations from gaining a foothold in the area.
“The methods used for breeding are inherently cruel,” said Denver Councilman Chris Hinds, the sponsor of the ordinance. “There are animals that are just in horrible conditions whose only purpose is to produce offspring that look cute and can sell for thousands of dollars.”
The passage of the legislation comes at a critical moment, as nearly 2,100 animals have been surrendered to Denver Animal Shelter so far this year — almost two and a half times the number from all of 2020.
Opponents claim the law could fuel black market sales, but city officials have reportedly pointed out that current state laws forbid outdoor sales and online transactions are regulated.
This ban offers hope that more animals will be adopted from shelters and rescues, while fewer will be bred in cruel facilities that care only about profit. Lady Freethinker thanks Denver lawmakers for standing up for animal companions, and urges governments across the globe to follow their example.
