Calgary’s Executive Committee is set to review a motion proposing a ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail stores. The motion, brought forward by Councillor Courtney Walcott, will be discussed on Thursday and aims to address growing concerns over the high number of animals being surrendered in the city.
Walcott’s motion calls for a thorough review of existing city bylaws related to the sale of animals in pet stores. The proposal encourages Calgarians to consider adopting or fostering pets from shelters and rescue organizations rather than purchasing them from retail outlets. The motion also draws attention to similar bans in other Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, which have implemented regulations to curb the sale of certain animals.
The Calgary Humane Society has expressed strong support for the motion, citing its importance for animal welfare. “Banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits is a critical step in promoting responsible pet sourcing across the city,” the society stated. The group emphasized that if the ban is approved, it would provide much-needed relief for local shelters, which are operating at full capacity with long waiting lists for animals in need of surrender.
This push for change follows a petition that gathered over 22,000 signatures more than two years ago, calling for an end to the sale of puppies in stores. If the motion is successful, city officials will conduct a review and provide a report by the end of 2025.
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