AGENDA ITEM REPORT
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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY’S CODE OF ORDINANCES, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 5, “ANIMALS,” SECTION 5-12, “RETAIL SALE OF DOGS AND CATS,” TO DELETE THE DEFINITION OF HOBBY BREEDER TO FOCUS REGULATION ON RETAIL SALES OF DOGS AND CATS. (SECOND READING)(PUBLIC HEARING)
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BACKGROUND:
This item was approved on First Reading at the June 11, 2026, City Commission Meeting.
The City Commission first reviewed and approved an earlier draft of this ordinance at its meeting on April 9, 2026. On second reading on April 23, 2026, that earlier draft was postponed, allowing City staff time to collaborate with advocates from the American Kennel Club. City staff worked with American Kennel Club advocates and revised the ordinance, resulting in multiple options that ultimately resulted in this updated version that serves as a compromise between the two (2) earlier options.
The City finds it’s Code may contain a loophole allowing pet stores to sell puppies purportedly sourced from “hobby breeders,” undermining the intent of existing regulations. The City further finds that deleting the definition of “hobby breeder” will help focus regulation solely on retail sales, as breeders are already regulated under the County’s Code. These changes strengthen consumer protection and address concerns related to the commercial sale of dogs and cats.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed ordinance amends the City’s Code of Ordinances to focus regulatory oversight on the retail sale of dogs and cats. Regulation of breeders will be governed by the County’s Code. This approach ensures that retail sales are closely monitored by the City, while breeders continue to be subject to established County regulations.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A