Clark council introduces ordinance to bar retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits; public hearing set for Oct. 20

The Township of Clark Council on Monday introduced ordinance 25-29, which would prohibit retail pet stores in Clark from selling dogs, cats and rabbits and change the licensing office for kennels, pet shops, shelters and pounds. The council moved to introduce the measure and approved it on a roll call vote; the public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20.

The ordinance is designed to reduce demand for animals sourced from commercial breeders and “puppy mill” supply chains, officials said during the meeting. Mayor (unnamed) and several council members expressed support ahead of the vote, and the council voted to place the ordinance on the October public-hearing calendar.

Why it matters: animal-welfare advocates say retail sales bans shift demand toward adoption and rescues; the proposed ordinance also preserves space for rescue groups and shelter adoption events, according to the council’s discussion. Residents and outside advocates used the meeting’s public-comment period to back the change.

During public comment, Larry Cohen, who reviewed breeder lists submitted to stores’ licensing towns, told the council he had found breeders on the “Horrible 100” lists linked to stores that call themselves responsible. “I applaud you, and I want to assure you you’re doing the right thing,” Cohen said. Ariel Lefkowitz, a public policy specialist with the Stop Puppy Mills campaign at Humane World for Animals, offered the council her organization’s data and said, “prevention is key” in stopping the puppy-mill-to-pet-shop pipeline.

Delia Collins, a Clark resident, asked for confirmation that the ordinance would not prevent local rescue groups or the Newark shelter from holding adoption events. Council members and staff confirmed the ordinance as written allows rescue organizations to bring animals for adoption events and treats adoptions as donations rather than retail sales.

Discussion vs. decision: The council introduced the ordinance (formal action) but did not adopt it; the public hearing and final adoption vote will occur on Oct. 20. Supporters in the public-comment period urged passage; opponents or other substantive objections were not raised during this meeting.

Next steps: The council will hold a public hearing on Oct. 20 where residents may speak again; if adopted, the ordinance will become part of the township code and affect licensing and retail practices for pet stores in Clark.

Ending: Council members encouraged residents and supporters of the measure to attend the Oct. 20 hearing and to use the township’s public-comment process to express their views.