BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Christmas got here early for Fido and associates.
Bethlehem officers on Tuesday voted to ban the sale of animals from “puppy mills” in pet shops inside the metropolis limits, becoming a member of the likes of neighboring cities Allentown and Easton.
Animals particularly protected by the new ordinance would come with dogs, cats, and rabbits.
The new language defines these “mills” as, “large-scale business breeding services the place the well being and welfare of the animals aren’t adequately supplied for … “
City Council’s Public Safety Committee first mentioned the required amendments to the present animal ordinance, finally voting unanimously in favor to ship the brand new language to the council panel. Council additionally absolutely supported the ordinance later that night.
“Responsible” breeders nonetheless would have the ability to promote on to clients inside the metropolis limits.”
Bethlehem’s animal ordinance
According to the ordinance, any pet retailer discovered to be in violation could be required to pay a most $500 per animal provided on the market. Any violating shelter or rescue operation paying for an animal from a breeder would face a most $250 penalty per animal bought.
“Responsible” breeders nonetheless would have the ability to promote on to clients inside the metropolis limits.
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Lehigh Valley Humane Society
‘Dumped, deserted’
In 2023, Pennsylvania was recorded to have eight puppy mills, in keeping with The Human Society of the United States’ “The Horrible Hundred” listing.
Hal Warner, president of the Lehigh Valley Humane Society, stated this ordinance might promote collaborations between individual shops and native rescue operations.
City pet shops could be allowed to offer area for the adoption of rescued and sheltered animals however would not be allowed to obtain fee, the ordinance reads.
“Banning pet stores from selling designer dogs will encourage residents to adopt from the shelters that are at capacity right now,” Warner stated. “It’s a good first step in solving the animal welfare crisis and will help prevent shelters from euthanizing any animal simply for kennel space.”
He stated animal shelters nationwide in 2023 took in 245,000 extra pets in want than in 2022.
LVHS even introduced in 600 extra pets in 2023 than the earlier yr, additionally rescuing almost 100 dogs, Warner added.
“Banning pet shops from promoting designer dogs will encourage residents to undertake from the shelters which might be at capability proper now.”
Lehigh Valley Humane Society President Hal Warner
Pam Brady, a Bethlehem resident, stated she’s not too long ago retired and all her additional vitality goes into supporting native animals in want. She stated she presently owns and fosters kittens.
“We’re seeing animals dumped, abandoned, and we need to find homes for the ones that are here now and exist,” Brady stated. “We cannot just keep allowing people to reproduce animals for financial gain and not take care of the animals that are with us.”
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Lehigh Valley Humane Society
“Animals bred in puppy mills endure unimaginable suffering, living in confined spaces with inadequate sanitation, nutrition, and socialization,” stated Sheryl Petrillo, president of Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley. “This blatant disregard for their well-being is unacceptable and must be halted.”
Petrillo stated banning these practices within the metropolis would reduce down on the unfold of infectious ailments that danger the well being of not solely the animals however people, too.
From there, she stated a “yes” vote to the ordinance additionally would cease “predatory lending practices” typically related to high-dollar breeds, in addition to encourage potential homeowners to undertake from native shelters.
“If you do enact this ordinance … you will send a clear message that cruelty against animals is not welcome into your community, that you will protect your community members and consumers, and promote adoption as the kindest, most compassionate option for adding a furry, scaly or feathered friend to your family,” Petrillo stated.
Other close by municipalities have adopted comparable ordinances, together with Allentown, Easton, and Forks Township, but in addition past in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Bellevue, Sharpsburg, and Wilkinsburg, in keeping with Petrillo.
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Lehigh Valley Humane Society
‘A extra humane surroundings in our metropolis’
“I believe it’s in the best interest to adopt reasonable regulations to help prevent inhumane breeding conditions, promote community awareness of animal welfare, and foster a more humane environment in our city,” Council Vice President Grace Crampsie Smith stated.
Police Chief Michelle Kott stated each she and town’s animal management officer assist the brand new ordinance. The metropolis has ample enforcement sources and state companions in Harrisburg, Kott added.
“There are plenty of people who can’t adopt and they do need a specific type of dog, so having this carved out for responsible breeders is a big thing,” councilwoman and committee chair Rachel Leon stated.
“I consider it’s in the perfect curiosity to undertake affordable laws to assist stop inhumane breeding situations, promote neighborhood consciousness of animal welfare and foster a extra humane surroundings in our metropolis.”
Council Vice President Grace Crampsie Smith
Councilwoman Hillary Kwiatek stated she puzzled about any potential loopholes inside the subtleties of the ordinance’s language.
Warner answered, saying a future objective after getting the mentioned ordinance handed could be to crack down additional on the smaller rescue operations that acquire nonprofit standing and usher in designer dogs “taking the place of pet stores.”
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Lehigh Valley Humane Society
Before the council vote later that night, councilwoman Kiera Wilhelm shared her ideas as a canine proprietor of 16 years.
“The factory-style churning of animals is not only cruel, it’s not needed,” Wilhelm stated. “There are loads of adoptable pets with out large-scale breeding.
“So I’ll be happy to assist an ordinance that helps Bethlehem take a stand in opposition to this apply.”
