General News » Headline News » News

Town will require new rules for pet stores

April 22, 2021   ·   0 Comments

Pet stores in New Tecumseth will soon be operating under new rules that will stop the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits, unless they come from rescue organizations with a good reputation.

A new bylaw will require stores to only act as adoption sites for organizations such as the OSPCA or the Humane Society, or other reputable rescue groups.

The new bylaw initially had rules regulating only dogs and cats, however rabbits were added to the list of animals after it was noted that the Alliston and District Humane Society routinely accepts over 150 rabbits per year at it’s Concession Road 4, Ajdala-Tosorontio location.

Ward 3 Councillor, Paul Foster, noted that the Humane Society has an abundance of rabbits that are up for adoption.

The Humane Society made the request that the word “reputable” be used in the bylaw wording so that organizations with animals could be scrutinized to determine of they are considered a reputable rescue place.

Ward 6 Councillor Stephanie MacLellan asked if all animals could be added to the list.

Chris Glanville, Supervisor of municipal law enforcement, said adding rabbits to the list would suffice for the current time but they can reopen the bylaw in future to add other small animals.

Stores who sell animals will have almost six months to comply with the new rules which will come into effect on September 30.

Pet stores will be subject to regular inspections from animal control officers to ensure they are following the new rules.

By Brian Lockhart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter


Readers Comments (0)


You must be logged in to post a comment.

Page Reader Press Enter to Read Page Content Out Loud Press Enter to Pause or Restart Reading Page Content Out Loud Press Enter to Stop Reading Page Content Out Loud Screen Reader Support