The Las Vegas City Council voted Nov. 5 to restrict the retail sale of certain companion animals in city pet stores, approving a first amendment to Bill 2025‑35 that phases out sales of dogs, cats, rabbits, pot‑bellied pigs and guinea pigs at 13 existing shops after three years and prevents new shops from selling those animals.

Supporters at a lengthy public comment period told the council the retail pipeline for puppies and kittens relies on commercial breeders and out‑of‑state operations they described as puppy mills, and that removing retail sales would reduce animal suffering and shelter intake. Rebecca Gough, Nevada state director for Humane World for Animals, said undercover investigations and public records show sick puppies, deceptive sales and predatory financing tied to some pet‑store sourcing and urged the council to adopt the ordinance.

Opponents — including owners and representatives from local pet stores — argued the ordinance would harm small businesses, reduce consumer choice and could shift demand to unregulated online sellers. Ken Kirkpatrick, owner of Petland Las Vegas, disputed assertions that his sourcing was unchanged and warned of lost sales tax revenue and business closures if the grandfathering sunset were retained.

The ordinance package includes regulatory updates (written disease‑control programs, health‑certificate and warranty requirements and signage), a three‑strike process for enforcement that can escalate to permit review, and penalties for violations ($250–$500 per the ordinance). The measure permits pet shops to operate selling other products and services and allows adoption events with nonprofit partners. The first amendment adopted by council imposes a three‑year cutoff for the 13 currently exempted pet sellers to transition away from the restricted animals.

Mayor Shelley Berkeley moved to vote on the ordinance with the first amendment; the clerk announced the motion passed. The ordinance will proceed to the next steps required by municipal procedure for final adoption and implementation timing; the clerk and city attorney noted relocation and licensing rules for any shop that moves within city limits.

Implementation and next steps: the city attorney said the amended ordinance will require business licensing and animal protection staff to prepare guidance for retailers and nonprofit partners on adoption events and compliance. Council members asked staff to monitor impacts on shelter intake and to engage with neighboring jurisdictions and industry stakeholders during the phase‑out period.