Residents ask Ferndale council to tighten humane pet‑sales ordinance, citing pop‑ups and disease risks

At the call to the audience, two speakers urged the council to amend Ferndale’s existing humane pet‑sales ordinance to prevent pop‑up puppy sales at businesses and temporary events that are not partnering with municipal shelters or 501(c)(3) rescues.

Tiffany Perkins, who identified herself as a resident of Royal Oak, told council the current practice allows vendors to present puppies for sale if their primary business is not a retail pet store and said that loophole permits unlisted breeders to leverage misleading sales tactics. Perkins recommended requiring that any business or temporary event selling puppies disclose breeder names and facilities, require licensure for temporary sellers and keep inventory records that confirm vaccines. She raised public‑health concerns, citing parvovirus as a risk that can spread through handling at pop‑up events.

Lauren Delega, a resident of Franklin, spoke in support of the proposed amendment and said she did not want to see loopholes that allow backyard breeders or puppy‑mill animals to be sold in Ferndale businesses or at temporary events. Both speakers asked council to consider adopting amendments to make disclosures and licensure mandatory for pop-up sales.

Council did not take action on the request during the meeting; the comments were recorded as public testimony for council consideration. Staff or council members did not indicate a scheduled follow-up or referral at the meeting.