Purchasing a pet in Las Vegas is going to look very different now that a brand-new rule has cracked down on pet shops.
Sadly, there’ll be no more asking 'how much is that doggie in the window', as the City of Las Vegas has issued a new ordinance on pet shop regulations, including the sale of certain animals and reducing 'the risks associated with large-scale breeding operations'.
According to News 3 LV, the measure, which was passed on 5 November, received a 5-2 vote and will take effect almost immediately.
One way the new regulations aim to improve animal welfare is to 'strengthen oversight of how pets are cared for and displayed in retail environments', including the cessation of the sale of certain pets in stores, with stores being given three years to make the changes.
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According to the government, the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, potbellied pigs, and guinea pigs will no longer be prohibited. As for why, well, this is due to concerns surrounding animal welfare, and also helps reduce the number of animals in rescues and non-profit organisations.
They also state that the ban will discourage the practice of 'puppy mills', where dogs are mass-bred for profit in often horrendous environments, and 'ensure transparency and accountability in pet sourcing and care'.
In 2020, a similar law named 'Lucy's Law' was passed in the UK, which prohibited the sale of puppies and kittens under six months through third parties, including pet shops, from April, meaning they can only be purchased from the original breeder or a rescue centre.
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As for how the animals are kept, the new regulation aims to keep dogs in ‘safe, enclosed areas that prevent unrestricted public access’, separate dogs that are incompatible, ‘maintain a written disease control plan and provide proper quarantine rooms with separate ventilation’, and also ‘provide a one-year warranty for dogs under 12 months old and 30 days of free pet insurance’.
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The price also needs to be displayed for all cats and dogs, as well as the kennel of origin, and all veterinary health certificates must be provided within 10 days before the sale.
The city goes on to say that 13 licensed pet stores are exempt for now, but they have until 6 November 2028 to make the necessary changes, and any illegal animal sales can result in a fine of $250 to $500.
If any pet shop gets three or more violations of the municipal code, they could even face having a permit revocation for ‘repeated or serious violations’.
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On their social media, like X, the City of Las Vegas said that shops can instead 'partner with local rescues and shelters to help pets get adopted', adding: "This change helps prevent puppy-mill sales, protects animal welfare and supports the amazing rescue groups doing this work every day."
Britt Jones