As a Sarasota County resident, you are probably aware or our county’s ordinance which prohibits the sale of puppies and kittens in a retail environment. This ordinance was passed to help ensure humane treatment of animals. While it did pass, it still took a few years to actually be enforced because of the ensuing legal squabble.
How much good did it do? The retailers literally moved and opened a new store within a few miles of the original store which was finally shuttered. Does this move do anything to improve the conditions of the spots where these “products” of puppies and kittens are bred? Of course not!
As Florida residents we should still be concerned that puppy mill dogs are being shipped into our state. So we are asking that if this is important to you, please attend the meeting on October 31st at 1:30 pm. We’ve included a letter here from Commissioner Carol Whitmore about the do’s and don’ts for meeting participants. Please attend – 1112 Manatee Avenue Thursday 10/31 at 1:30. Wear RED!
From Commissioner Whitmore
Animal Friends,
Wanted to remind our animal advocates that the County Attorney’s office will be presenting possibly three options for the Board to consider regarding the sale of puppies/kittens in retail pet stores. Some retail pet stores buy animals from puppy mills as their business model. Our local pet stores that sell puppy/kittens from farms that are USDA approved are the ones we have locally are the ones many oppose. I have not seen the options yet but am sure one will be the outright ban of this business model.
This is a very passionate issue and am asking all to be respectful when speaking before the board. In life and in these tense situations, you get more when you are respectful. Your all aware that I will support a ban but need three additional votes to make that happen. No clapping or yelling, that will turn board members that may support a ban or on the fence against you.
This has been scheduled for many months to happen Oct. 31st at 1:30pm, I know its Halloween and in fact the date was not selected on purpose. I will miss my families annual Halloween neighborhood party but will be there to support the thousands that support the ban of retail sale of puppies that live in Manatee County. This will be a long meeting and you will need to sign up just outside the meeting to speak.
Petland will be there and I am sure will also have many wanting to speak. Please be respectful as we need four votes to do anything.
If anything changes, I will keep all informed as fast as I can. I think the meeting will be live streamed also so you can watch if you cannot get downtown. The Board needs to see your faces, if at all possible.
Commissioner Carol Whitmore
P.O. Box 1000
Bradenton, Fl. 34206
941-745-3704