AGENDA ITEM REPORT
TITLE:
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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 AMEND THE DEFINITION OF HOBBY BREEDER TO CLARIFY THAT HOBBY BREEDERS ARE NOT PET STORES. (SECOND READING)(PUBLIC HEARING)
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BACKGROUND:
This item was approved on First Reading at the April 9, 2026, City Commission Meeting, and tabled on Second Reading at the April 23, 2026, City Commission Meeting to provide time for staff to work with advocates from the American Kennel Club to review the proposed definition of hobby breeder. City Staff worked with advocates from the American Kennel Club and came up with Option B (Option A is the original ordinance that was approved on First Reading).
The City finds its 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 regulating the breeding of dogs and cats is necessary to protect animal welfare and to prevent inhumane practices. The City additionally acknowledges that the sale or transfer of dogs and cats to pet stores, brokers, dealers, wholesalers, or commercial breeders contributes to large-scale resale markets and may facilitate inhumane operations commonly associated with “puppy mills.”
DISCUSSION:
The proposed ordinance amends the City’s Code to distinguish between small-scale, home-based breeders producing limited litters and the commercial breeding of dogs and cats for wholesale or retail distribution.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A