Editor,
Kudos to Vancouver’s city council for its forward-thinking vote to ban pet stores from selling puppies, kittens and rabbits from for-profit breeders.
Pet stores typically sell animals that were raised in mills – mass-breeding operations that put profits before animals’ welfare.
As a result, the animals are often sickly, un-socialized and frequently end up at shelters, exacerbating the homeless-animal over-population crisis.
Every time we purchase a puppy, kitten, or rabbit from a pet store or any breeder, we deny a home to one in a shelter whose life may depend on being adopted.
Thanks to Vancouver’s decision, more animals now have a chance to find the love and companionship that they deserve.
Other municipalities should follow its lead.
Craig Shapiro
PETA Foundation