Starting November 1, pet stores in Fayette County will no longer be allowed to sell cats and dogs.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted 12-1 Thursday to ban the sale of kittens and puppies in pet stores, despite pushing back against two Lexington pet stores that sell pets.
Lexington is the fourth city in Kentucky to implement a ban. Other cities with similar bans include Louisville, Elizabethtown and Radcliff.
Those Kentucky cities are among 492 across the country with ordinances halting retail sales of cats and dogs.
The Humane Society of the United States has tightened its commercial sales ban, saying it will end puppy and cat mills that often sell directly to pet stores.
Lexington’s ordinance would not affect the sale of other types of pets, including reptiles, fish and birds, the ordinance said. It also would not prohibit dog and cat breeders from selling directly to customers.
People may still be able to adopt from rescue organizations like the Lexington Humane Society.
If passed, stores that violate the ordinance would face a $500 fine. Lexington Animal Control would enforce the ordinance. Animal Control already inspects pet stores when there is a complaint.
The ban also prohibits the sale of cats and dogs in public spaces, a provision intended to deter people from selling pets at flea markets.
Petland and Most Valuable Pets say they have to close
Officials and attorneys for Petland, a national chain, have repeatedly urged the council to repeal the ordinance. Petland argues that the bulk of its business is selling cats and dogs. It can’t compete with other big-box retailers that also sell pet supplies, they have previously argued.
Most Valuable Pets, or MVP Pets, is locally owned and located in Beaumont Center. MVP officials have also previously said they may have to close if they are not allowed to sell cats and dogs.
Other Lexington pet stores have adoption options with local rescue organizations.
Both pet stores argued that they only work with reputable breeders and that they screen the animals they buy to ensure they are not abused or raised in poor conditions.
Officials with the Humane Society of the United States said pet stores that sell cats and dogs will not have to close. They can adopt a new business model.
Purebred dogs and cats can be very expensive, sometimes costing thousands of dollars.
Councilor Fred Brown was the only council member to vote against the ban. Councilman Preston Worley abstained from voting due to a conflict with his law firm.
