Retail Pet Sale Restrictions Proposed (3 Responses)
On Sept. 15 at 3pm we will convene an Ordinance Committee hearing on proposed restrictions on the retail sale of all mammals (from dogs and cats to rabbits, gerbils, hamsters), birds and reptiles in Cambridge. This would be an addition to Title 6 of the Municipal Code (” Animals”).
Here is a pdf of the law we will be discussing: Title-6-retail-pet-sale-ban (draft text)
The Council has been deluged with emails on this topic. Much of the opposition comes from out-of-state breeders who claim that they adhere to responsible practices and that the restrictions are a slippery slope to preventing people from keeping animals as pets. Most of the messages in favor of the ban came on the heels of an email blast the MSPCA sent last week to its supporters (read the MSPCA’s stance).
I support the restrictions. No creature great or small should be bred in unregulated conditions that are the equivalent of factory farms. (I choose not to eat meat for the same reasons.) There are credible reports that as much of 70% of the “crop” does not survive — apparently farming small animals, reptiles and birds is profitable enough that a high mortality rate is acceptable to the industry.
The restrictions would mean that only creatures that come from “animal care facilities” (like the MSPCA’s shelter) or “animal rescue organizations” (non-profit rescue groups) could be displayed for adoption in pet stores or public places (eg outdoor markets) in Cambridge. The city only has two pet stores (Pet Smart at Alewife and PetCo in East Cambridge), but Big Fish Little Fish is located right across the city line in Somerville.
I recognize that there are very few rescue/shelter sources for pets other than dogs and cats, so if someone really wants a canary, a hamster or an iguana they will probably just go to a store in another town, or try to buy directly from a reputable home-breeder where they can inspect the living conditions and care of the animals.
Some agree with the intent but worry that the restrictions will have unintended consequences. For example, we heard the following from Lauren O’Brien of The Gecko Sanctuary:
I am the President & Founder of one of the only certified reptile rescues in the state of Massachusetts, The Gecko Sanctuary. While I appreciate the sentiment behind this proposal, ultimately believe it will punish responsible and small time breeders versus the puppy mills and mass producers who you are hoping to stop selling within your city limits especially when it pertains to reptiles.
Given that my rescue is the only one in Eastern Massachusetts, to my knowledge, fully understand that we cannot meet the needs of everyone looking to add a reptile to their family especially because we do not work with all species including turtles.
Hope you take another look at this ban and make changes to encourage people to adopt while not punishing those breeding responsibly in an attempt to provide captive bred reptiles versus on relying on wild caught specimens.
Imposing such restrictions in a single city will not end the inhumane practices of the pet-breeding industry most of which is located out of state. Our action may set an example for other cities and towns to follow. We need federal action to include birds, reptiles and small mammals under the Animal Welfare Act, and enforcement to shut down irresponsible breeders.
Full confession: when my three kids were young we bought them a canary, a love bird, a chinchilla and a frog from retail stores (Dodger, Fiji, Charlie and Freddy have all passed away). Knowing what I do today I regret that we helped breeding mills stay in business, even though we provided these four creatures with a loving home, albeit a caged existence.
Your thoughts are welcome.
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