There is an important ordinance coming before the Sarasota Board of Commissioners on Monday September 21st. The ordinance will prohibit retail pet stores from selling commercially bred puppies, cats and rabbits. What does commercially bred mean? Basically it’s farming. But not in the Old MacDonald had a farm way. It’s more factory than farm and breeder dogs feet often never touch the ground. They are forced to live in tiny cages often with no protection from the elements. Their off-spring are what are proffered in the retail pet stores. Because of overbreeding the puppies are often sick or suffer from congenital diseases. While these breeders are subject to USDA inspection that standard doesn’t mean much any more. Many inspections are done over the phone. 
How can you help? Let the Commissioners of Sarasota County know you care and that allowing this cruel practice of trade has no place in Sarasota. Come to the meeting: Monday September 21 at 1:30 pm – at the Administrative Bldg. 1660 Ringling Blvd, downtown Sarasota, September 21st. If you can’t attend the meeting please email the Commissioners to let them know where you stand:
Carolyn J. Mason, [email protected]
Christine Robinson, [email protected]
Nora Patterson, [email protected]
Charles D. Hines, [email protected]
Alan Maio [email protected]
Paul Caragiuolo [email protected]
If you want to address the commission in person you need to get to SARASOTA COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER 1660 RINGLING BOULEVARD COMMISSION CHAMBER by 1:20 pm on Monday.
Then fill out a speaker card (in the back of the room) turn it in to the clerk (in the front of the room on the right) and speak during Open To The Public.
Your voice matters.