Committee forwards ordinance banning retail sale of non‑rescue dogs and cats to full Board

The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on Feb. 8 voted to forward to the full Board of Supervisors an ordinance that would amend the health code to prohibit San Francisco pet stores from selling dogs or cats that are not obtained from animal care facilities or rescue organizations and to ban the retail sale of puppies or kittens under eight weeks old.

Humane Society of the United States representative Amy Jesse testified that cutting off retail supply chains is an effective way to reduce demand for puppy mills and protect consumers from health and behavioral problems in animals supplied by large commercial breeders. Ashley Summers of Supervisor Tang’s office, the ordinance sponsor’s staff, said the measure is intended as a preventive step: there are currently no known pet stores in San Francisco selling puppies or kittens, but the law would prevent such stores from opening in the future.

Virginia Donahue, executive director of the Department of Animal Care & Control, said ACC enforces pet-shop care standards but cannot monitor breeding facilities outside the city; she supported the ordinance as a means to prevent the inhumane conditions associated with puppy mills. Multiple advocates from the San Francisco SPCA, national humane groups and local rescue organizations also urged passage, citing USDA inspection gaps and consumer-protection concerns.

Chair Ronan asked for a motion to forward the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation. The committee moved, seconded and passed the motion without objection. The ordinance (referred to in public testimony as Ordinance 161,352) will appear on the Board’s agenda for further consideration.