Columbus council to take up pet sale ordinance again tonight

Columbus City Council will be considering its second and final approval of a new ordinance that seeks to limit puppy mills and other mass-production facilities for family pets, by limiting the local market for those animals.

The proposed ordinance bans the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits at stores in the city. However, those stores can work with the city Animal Care Services or other rescue groups to assist with those groups’ adoption efforts, provided the store has no ownership in the animals up for adoption, and is not charging the city agency or groups a fee.

Violating the ordinance would mean a fine of up to $500 for each animal involved.

At the last Council meeting, Republicans Frank Miller and Tim Shuffett voted against the change, questioning the need as no local stores have those sales now, and asking whether the discussions have been sufficiently open to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The council meets at 6 tonight virtually. you can find a link at columbus.in.gov.