Larimer County staff proposes ban on roadside sales of puppies and kittens; ordinance read for later public hearing

Larimer County staff on April 20 read proposed language for a new ordinance section that would ban the sale, display or giveaway of live animals at roadways, parking lots and outdoor swap meets. Amy White, the county’s code compliance supervisor, told commissioners the proposal is intended to address recurring complaints about unregulated roadside pet sales and to improve oversight and enforcement.

The proposed new language, as read into the record, would add an Article 8, “Roadside sale of animals prohibited,” (section 6‑153). It would be unlawful to sell, trade, barter, lease, rent, give away or display for sale a live animal on a roadside, public right‑of‑way, commercial parking lot, or at outdoor special sales such as swap meets and flea markets. The draft ordinance expressly exempts: (1) agents of businesses licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture as a pet store; (2) events primarily for agricultural livestock; and (3) tax‑exempt nonprofit organizations licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture as pet animal shelters or rescues (referencing CRS 35‑80‑102 licensing).

County attorney Frank Hauck told the board the ordinance language was read into the record and that staff would publish the notice and schedule a second hearing so members of the…