Bloomington council hopes pet retail ban will decrease demand for cats, dogs from mills

The Bloomington City Council on Wednesday voted 8-0 to ban such sales because the law would “likely" decrease demand for dogs and cats bred in puppy and kitten mills, the law’s sponsors wrote.

“Decreasing demand is one component of reducing or eliminating puppy/kitten mills altogether,” according to the sponsors, council members Susan Sandberg, Isabel Piedmont-Smith and Dave Rollo.

Sandberg said in Wednesday's council meeting the city ordinance came about because community members contacted council members to propose such a law. She said the majority of people who have provided feedback on the proposal said they support it. She also emphasized the law would not prevent people from buying whatever pet they desire from responsible breeders.

Stores that violate the law can be fined $500 per occurrence.