Richmond Hill takes aim at puppy mills

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 24, 2017
By Kim Zarzour

Richmond Hill council is expected to make a final decision next week on a bylaw amendment aimed at discouraging puppy mills.

The amendment proposed to the Committee of the Whole Jan. 23 requires pets stores that sell dogs, cats and rabbits source those animals from registered humane societies, municipal animal shelters and registered rescues.

The proposed amendments also makes specific requirements for the care of pets awaiting sale and for the premises for housing those animals.

A 12-month grace period would be allowed for pet stores to sell the animals already in their stores.

A majority of councillors voted in favour of the proposed amendment with Ward 1 Coun. Greg Beros the sole dissenting vote. It goes to full council Jan. 30.

The issue has been before the town for several years and councillors heard from many of those interested in the issue once again Monday night.

There are three pet stores in the municipality that sell dogs, cats and rabbits. Two of those stores spoke to councillors about their concerns regarding impact on their businesses.

Jacques Messier, CEO of the Toronto Humane Society, said Richmond Hill would be joining an increasing number of Canadian cities, including Toronto, who have taken action to reduce the sale of “mill” animals, bred and raised in substandard conditions.