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Elected officials in a western Massachusetts city say they’ve struck a blow against the inhumane breeding of dogs. A local pet store is threatening a lawsuit.
The city of Springfield has put on the books a ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits sourced from commercial breeders.
The so-called “puppy mill” ordinance was unanimously approved by the City Council and signed by Mayor Domenic Sarno, according to the mayor’s spokesman.
Councilor Melvin Edwards, the lead sponsor, said it came about out of concern for animals coming to pet stores from high-volume commercial dog breeders.
With the vote to pass this, we get the clock starting on creating a more safer environment for both the consumer and the animals that exist in the city of Springfield, Edwards said.