Pets sales ban again on council agenda
The Cape Coral City Council will once again attempt to tackle a measure that would prohibit the retail sale of cats and dogs in the city Monday at its regular meeting at City Hall at 4:30 p.m.
Council is looking to end the sale of cats and dogs sold at retail pet stores from large-scale commercial breeding facilities, or so-called “puppy mills” and “kitten mills.”
An ordinance, brought forward by Councilmember Rick Williams, was withdrawn at the Sept. 24 meeting so it could be worked on further.
Williams said City Council wasn’t aware there was a pet store selling animals (Patriot Pet & Supplies). It was believed that nobody sold pets in the city.
Williams said the “pet mills” have documented problems, including sanitation, overcrowding, lack of veterinary care, proper protection from harsh weather conditions and inadequate food and water.
“Many cities have done this, especially on the east coast. These mills treat the animals badly. Some people who buy animals from a puppy mill, have problems a year or two down the road because of a disease that crops up,” Williams said.
Williams added that many of the mills are overseas and many of the animals die en route to America.
In its summary of the ordinance, City Council suggested alternatives such as adoption of from animal rescue organizations (which will soon include the Cape Coral Animal Shelter) or purchase from reputable breeders.
The most effective way to stop puppy and kitten mills is to discourage the purchase and sale of puppies and kittens produced at these facilities. Williams said the bill is designed to do just that.
“Pet stores can work with private breeders, they just can’t bring the animals into the store,” Williams said. “They can also work with the shelters and get those animals taken care of.”
In its summary, the ordinance will promote community awareness of animal welfare, foster a more humane environment for animals and decrease the demand for animals from animal shelters and rescue organizations.
If approved, the ordinance will take effect Jan. 1. Patriot Pet & Supplies will be grandfathered in, and will have a year to make other arrangements regarding pets.
The city will also consider a presentation from the city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee on a resolution related to incentives that may be utilized to encourage development of affordable housing in the city.
According to state statutes, the plan must be adopted by Dec. 31. Council can either accept the recommendations or change or eliminate incentives. Once approved, the document will be transmitted to Florida Housing Finance Corporation for approval.
The committee unanimously recommended approval of the document at its Oct. 30 meeting.
Among the suggestions is the construction of so-called micro-cottages, tiny homes that can be built on minimal land and be as small as 600 square feet, with a maximum of 1,100 feet.
During Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, a number of residents expressed their objection to these homes.