Councilman takes aim at puppy mills

A city councilman is proposing to reduce demand for "designer" pets by outlawing the sale of commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbit in Los Angeles.

The proposal from Councilman Paul Koretz is aimed at increasing the number of animals who are adopted, rather than euthanized, from city shelters.

"Growing sentiment against puppy mills and kitten mills is why I am introducing this motion, so we can begin regulating the mills and the stores that provide an outlet for the dogs and cats," Koretz said.

"Curbing the market for these unfortunate animals can also play a role in addressing the problem. With thousands of dogs, cats and rabbits euthanized in the city's animal shelters, there is a growing sentiment to find ways to break the link between the mills and pet shops."

Koretz asked the Department of Animal Services tp study the proposal.

The city euthanized more than 20,000 dogs and cats over the past year, out of 55,000 that were taken in by city shelters, according to Animal Services.

Groups that represent breeders are concerned that such efforts could drive pet shops out of the city.

"All it would be doing is create a black market of breeders," said Hank Greenwood, president of the American Dog Breeders Association, based in Salt Lake City. "What he is saying is that animals from USDA-inspected-and-regulated kennels would not be able to be sold at these stores. And it might put a lot of stores out of business."

Greenwood said the measure does not recognize legitimate breeders.

"When they say puppy mills, it is just a derogatory term for breeders," Greenwood said. "There are substandard breeders out there, but there should be some recognition for the breeders who follow the rules."

Koretz said he is prepared to talk with the breeders' organization.

"If they are legitimate breeders, that's one thing," Koretz said. "This is aimed at those who breed animals in horrible conditions."

Judie Mancuso, president of Social Compassion in Legislation, which is seeking to change state laws regarding animals, estimated more than 80,000 commercially bred dogs and cats are bought to California for sale.

"We are the biggest target and Los Angeles has about 150 pet stores, 100 of which still sell commercially bred animals," Mancuso said. "They just have not got the message that there is another way to do business.

"A lot of people don't really think about it, but a lot of these puppies and kittens end up in shelters when they aren't sold."

Mancuso said part of the problem is that the public sees celebrities owning these special breeds, temporarily increasing the demand.

"It has perpetuated some of the problem," Mancuso said. "Celebrities can't help it, but often demand increases for certain breeds, such as Chihuahuas. We have mills turning them out and the demand can't possibly match that."

The proposal also calls for a study on requiring pet stores to make space for cages to allow for the adoption of animals from the city shelters.

Jan Selder, director of field operations for the Department of Animal Services, said the measure could reduce the number of animals coming to the shelters.

"We have had an increase this year, particularly of puppies and litters," Selder said. "We think people should think of the shelters first to adopt an animal. We have an amazing selection of breeds of puppies and kittens that are available. There is no reason to go to a pet store."

Koretz's motion will go to the City Council's Public Safety Committee for review.

Shanna Moakler Roselyn Sanchez Emmanuelle Vaugier Leonor Varela Laura Harring