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San Antonio Pet Stores Will Sell Only Rescue Dogs And Cats Starting January 1

October 31, 2020

The San Antonio City Council has approved new requirements for pet stores for how they can obtain animals for sale.

The new ordinance aims to restrict the use of puppy mills. In a 9-1 vote, the council approved measures that require pet stores to source cats and dogs from animal rescue groups or animal control agencies and not commercial breeders.

Heber Lefgren, director of the city’s Animal Care Services department, said the ordinance is meant to prevent animals from being bred for sale in mass quantities.

"Most of the puppies being sold at pet stores are coming from out-of-state puppy mills or large breeders or brokers that pass the pets on from one state to another state," Lefgren told council members.

Violators could be fined up to $500 for breaking the rules. It takes effect on January 1, 2021.