In a big win for animal companions, West Hollywood’s City Council recently voted unanimously to prohibit pet stores from selling almost all live animals in the city, according to local news.
Building on a 2010 ordinance that outlawed the retail sale of dogs and cats, the new law expands the ban to cover “amphibians, arachnids, birds, fish, reptiles, hermit crabs and any other mammals that weren’t already prohibited.”
The measure makes exceptions for breeders who raise animals on-site, animal control facilities, shelters, humane societies, rescues, and pet stores partnering with these groups to adopt out animals. It is set to take effect on May 1, 2026.
“The City Council finds that the current state of retail sale of animals in pet stores in the City of West Hollywood is inconsistent with the city’s goal to be a community that cares about animal welfare,” the ordinance states.
For decades, West Hollywood has led the way in protecting animals—beginning with its 1989 resolution to become a “Cruelty Free Zone,” followed by a ban on cat declawing in 2004, a resolution backing Proposition 2 in 2008, and a ban on fur apparel sales in 2013.
By passing this critical law, it has set another national precedent in progressive animal protection legislation and bolstered its reputation as one of the nation’s most animal-friendly cities.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to West Hollywood’s City Council for adopting this historic measure and encourages governments worldwide to follow their lead.
