Oshawa, Canada to Ban Sales Dogs and Cats in Pet Stores

Wes Mach and staff hold a dog they're calling a 'Jackapoo,' which makes the point. Who breeds Jackapoos? Can you say puppy mill dog? (DURHAMREGION.COM image)

It appears that soon no dogs or cats will be sold in Oshawa,Ontario, Canada (near Toronto). Councillors approved a motion that asks staff to draft a bylaw amendment for banning the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores and flea markets.

Nearly 50 American cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, have passed similar legislation, as has one entire county Cook County (which includes Chicago). Though the Cook County ordinance may be reconsidered as two commissioners seek to look at it again. No matter, the trend is clear - citizens (pet owners and non-pet owners) seem to understand the significance. The overwhelming majority of pet stores don't sell dogs or cats anyway, greatly for ethical reasons. In Oshawa, a petition signed by 397 people supporting the ban was presented to the community services committee on June 19.

Wes Mauch, owner of Mauch's Pet Superstore, spoke against the proposed ban at a community services meeting May 29, and shortly afterward put up a 'going out of business' sign at his 245 King St. W. store. He said his store officially closed on June 22 and he blames the closure on the proposed bylaw. 'If you read the wording it sounds like it's already gone through, for one,' he said of a motion passed at council. 'You can't fight the City, they'll come at you in some other way.'

'We're not trying to drive anyone out of business,' said Councillor Bob Chapman, chairman of Oshawa's community services committee. He points out nothing has been passed and the consultation has yet to occur. 'If Mr. Mauch has chosen to close his store up before the consultation, that's a personal decision on his part,' he said. Mr. Mauch said he'll continue to voice his objection to the proposed bylaw. 'I'm still going to fight it, but we're done.

In Canada, Owasha would follow similar bans in cities including Toronto, Pickering and Kingston.

Local officials suggest the law limiting what pet stores can sell will be approved later this summer.