The city of Casselberry is saying no to pet stores.
The City Commission voted 4–1 Monday to prevent any future stores from selling cats and dogs that could come from illegal mills.
"In Seminole County, we're killing hundreds of animals every month," said Carla Wilson, an activist supporting the pet store ban.
While no Casselberry residents spoke up for or against the ordinance, pet store owners and activists from surrounding cities came forward to make their case. Ben Hoofnagle, owner of Petland in Orlando, said he believes people have the right to shop how and where they want.
"I'm more about allowing the consumer to make the choice and demand will dictate that," Hoofnagle said.
Monday's vote won't stop people from buying pets from breeders, but is meant to encourage citizens to adopt from shelters.
"Every dog bred, it means one more shelter dog is dead," Wilson said.
Nearly 40 other Florida cities have imposed a similar ban on pet stores, and activists like Wilson said she will be traveling to other Central Florida cities to encourage others to "adopt, not shop."
Other Florida cities with retail pet sale bans
Cities in Central Florida are listed in bold
Source: BestFriends.org
- Aventura
- Bay Harbor Islands
- Coconut Creek
- Coral Gables
- Cutler Bay
- Dania Beach
- Deerfield Beach
- Fernandina Beach
- Flagler Beach
- Greenacres
- Hallandale Beach
- Homestead
- Hypoluxo
- Jacksonville Beach
- Juno Beach
- Jupiter
- Lake Worth
- Lauderhill
- Margate
- Miami Beach
- North Miami Beach
- North Palm Beach
- North Bay Village
- North Lauderdale
- North Miami
- Opa-Locka
- Palm Beach
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Palmetto Bay
- Pinecrest
- Pompano Beach
- Surfside
- Tamarac
- West Melbourne
- Wellington
- Wilton Manors