Pet City fights city council decision to shut down store

During a recent city council meeting, significant discussions emerged surrounding the potential closure of Pet City, a local pet store in Fort Collins. Karen Kennes, a manager at Pet City, urged the council to reconsider their decision, arguing that the closure would negatively impact the local economy and employment. Kennes highlighted that Pet City has contributed over $320,000 in sales tax and paid nearly $1.1 million in wages from 2012 to 2023, contradicting the council's assertion that there would be no financial implications from the store's closure.

Kennes also defended the store's practices against claims made by opponents, stating that a puppy previously mentioned in a negative context had actually been adopted by a family, not returned to a breeder as alleged. She emphasized the importance of choice for consumers, noting that many people prefer purchasing puppies for specific needs, such as hypoallergenic breeds for families with children.

Support for Pet City continued with testimonies from local business owners and customers. Susan Greg, a licensed barber, argued that without concrete evidence of wrongdoing, the council should not force the store to close. Kim Roberts shared her personal experience of adopting dogs from Pet City, contrasting it with a negative experience from a rescue organization, which she claimed misrepresented a dog’s behavior and health.

The meeting also touched on broader issues, including the regulation of pet sales and the implications of closing established businesses in favor of unregulated alternatives. Jens Larsen, a pet store owner from Centennial, defended the legitimacy of licensed breeders, asserting that many accusations against pet stores stem from misconceptions about puppy mills. He pointed out that the regulatory framework for pet stores is stringent, with fewer complaints against them compared to rescue organizations.

The discussions reflect a growing tension between local businesses and regulatory measures aimed at animal welfare, raising questions about consumer choice and the economic impact of such decisions on the community. The council's decision on the matter remains pending, with advocates for Pet City continuing to voice their concerns about the potential consequences of the proposed ordinance.