Title
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE COMMERCE CITY REVISED MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 4 ARTICLE I AND ADDING A NEW ARTICLE VI REGARDING COMMERCIAL KENNELS, HOBBY BREEDERS, AND PET STORES
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Summary and Background Information:
In late 2023, members of the animal welfare advocacy group, Bailing Out Benjy, have been appearing before numerous city councils in Colorado, including Commerce City. The group has been advocating for the ban of pet stores that sell, auction, or otherwise transfer puppies and kittens in municipalities. On August 7, 2023 City Council passed a motion to direct staff to bring the topic of banning the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores before Council with information on how other cities have taken steps to prevent pet stores from supporting puppy mills in their cities. City staff has reviewed ordinances adopted by other municipalities in Colorado and also provided information on recent actions taken by nearby communities. On October 2, 2023, the City Clerk presented a draft ordinance and legislation passed from other Colorado cities for comparison. City Council was generally in support of having an ordinance brought before them. The ordinance includes further definitions to clarify the different types of animal care facilities and different types of breeders and specifically bans the sale of dogs and cats in the city. The exceptions include purchasing directly from a “hobby breeder,” and permitting pet stores to showcase animals up for adoption with local adoption groups. The ordinance does not change how organizations dedicated toward facilitating adoption, operate. Penalties will be applied to operators in violation of the ordinance.
On December 11, 2023, the ordinance failed 3-6 on second and final reading. On March 4, 2024, City Council approved a motion to bring back the ordinance for Council consideration.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Dylan A. Gibson, City Clerk
Staff Member Presenting: Dylan A. Gibson, City Clerk
Financial Impact: None.
Funding Source: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Approve the ordinance on first reading
Suggested Motion: