Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/227385
Sarasota News Leader December 13, 2013 Page 16 pet stores after she purchased a dog in 2004 disgusting," said Metcalf. "I think the comonly to discover it had congenital defects. munity has a right to learn about this issue, and the best way is to advertise the proposed "I found there were multiple complaints over ordinance." 15 years at this store in the city of Hallandale," Lazarow told the County Commission. Meanwhile, owners of animals purchased from the county's pet stores — along with In an email sent out before Tuesday's meetsome out-of-town lobbyists — have rallied ing, Sarasota in Defense of Animals rallied against local regulation of retail pet shops. local supporters: "Please help stop the retail The majority of opponents who spoke at the sales of Dogs, Cats and Rabbits that are Tuesday meeting are employed by one of the imported, from other [states'] factory farms, county stores that sells pets or have worked into Sarasota County." in an associated business. Elliot Metcalfe, a local lawyer and former Dr. Adam Cohen, a veterinarian who has public defender for the 12th Judicial Circuit, worked for Petland since it opened in 1999, was another speaker who advocated for the said the store on Fruitville Road in Sarasota proposed ban. hired him to inspect animals before families "If you've ever been [to a puppy mill], you'll purchase them to "make sure they are healthy never buy a puppy from a pet store again. It's and fit to be sold." Animal advocates on Tuesday showed images from puppy mills, where they say the Sarasota pet store Puppy Town purchases its puppies. Contributed Photo