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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnimal Protection Ordinance Proposed by Councilmember Joe Ca 6v 0,h K� PO� CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH City Council Interoffice Commu ation To: Honorable Mayor and City Cou i bers From: Joe Carchio, City Council Me Date: March 12, 2012 Subject: CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ITE FO THE MARCH 19, 2012, CITY COUNCIL MEETING—ANIMAL R ECTION ORDINANCE STATEMENT OF ISSUE: From its dog-friendly parks to its world famous dog beach, Huntington Beach enjoys the reputation as an animal-friendly city Because of concerns that have been expressed to me in terms of protecting dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, I would like the City Council to consider adopting an ordinance that would eliminate business operations like "puppy mills" and the sale of dogs and cats from commercial establishments in Huntington Beach It has been documented that large-scale commercial dog and cat breeding operations are filthy and are run by people who do not care about the genetic implications of inbreeding dogs or other animals These unscrupulous breeders and sellers of dogs and other animals do not appear concerned about the basic health care and socialization of the animals they breed, buy, and sell These puppy mill dogs and cats are often sold to the public with serious genetic flaws and without proper social temperament to safely live among humans I am asking that we explore eliminating the commercial buying and selling of cats and dogs in the city to prevent the inhumane treatment of the animals by unprincipled breeders and sellers of domestic animals RECOMMENDED ACTION: Direct staff to research and draft an ordinance that would eliminate the commercial sale and/or resale of dogs and cats in the city of Huntington Beach and provide said ordinance for City Council consideration xc Fred Wilson, City Manager Paul Emery, Deputy City Manager Bob Hall, Deputy City Manager Jennifer McGrath, City Attorney ��/�t1 �E7AIe_. JET 70A.6;1 �. 13. Submitted by Councilmember Carchio - Direct staff to research and draft an animal protection ordinance that would eliminate the commercial sale and/or resale of dogs and cats in the City Recommended Action: Direct staff to research and draft an ordinance that would eliminate the commercial sale and/or resale of dogs and cats in retail pet stores in the City of Huntington Beach and provide said ordinance for City Council consideration Approved as amended to include "in retail pet stores" Approved 4-2-1 (Dwyer, Hansen no, Harper out of room) COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS (Not Agendized) Shaw, Dwyer, Hansen, Carchio reported. ADJOURNMENT— 9:10 PM The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, April 02, 2012, at 4 00 PM in Room B-8, Civic Center, 2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, California INTERNET ACCESS TO CITY COUNCIL/PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY AGENDA AND STAFF REPORT MATERIAL IS LOCATED UNDER THE "GOVERNMENT" TAB AT http.11www.huntin_gtonbeachca._gov City Council/PFA Regular Meeting March 19, 2012 -6- �yK ,� ���1i�� RECEIVED FROCMMj FqR AS PUBLIC ROE/ / 0. / /C�OUNCt M ,F Cl OFFICE / JOAN L FLYW CITY CLERK RECEIVED FROM /�B V AS PUBLIC RECORD FOR COUNC ---- , '. CLE OFFICE P N,CITY CLERK d¢ Nk ° AKC Breeder Resources Q UuAd@' 2a (s3PveC47gn �0 IT DO �a 41 The information below was obtained directly from the American Kennel Club (AKC) website; www.akc.org, AKC Breeder Resources,A Guide to Breeding Your Dog The motto of the responsible breeder of purebred dogs is "Breed to Improve." Every dog is the best dog in the world to its owner Responsible breeders, however, know to avoid "kennel blindness" -- in other words, they take a step back and honestly evaluate the good and bad points of their dogs before making the decision to breed The goal of breeding, after all, is to produce a better dog and a quality pet Responsible breeders make sure that their puppy goes to an owner who will provide it with the same love and devotion for life that the breeder has provided This means careful screening and evaluation of each person or family interested in getting a puppy You should be committed to placing pLippies with owners who will provide excellent care A responsible breeder makes sure that their puppies go to good homes This means careful screening and evaluation of each person or family interested in getting a puppy Commit Yourself to the Puppies for Life For breeders, responsibility doesn't end when their puppies leave with new owners. Responsible breeders make sure their puppies'new families know they can turn to them with any questions or problems that arise throughout the puppies' lives. As a breeder, you will be gratified by phone calls and letters describing your puppies' first teeth, birthday parties, and other milestones. You'll be thrilled to receive photos of a puppy's first show win or portraits with the puppy right in the middle of a happy family. But you will also have to be ready for bad news- a fanuly splitting up and leaving the dog homeless, a vet contacting you about an unforeseen hereditary illness, a dog you thought would be a great obedience prospect biting a young child. As a breeder, you will need to be there with advice and support for all these situations Responsible breeders answer questions, provide resources, and assist with problems that may come up Responsible breeders assist in re-homing or take in puppies should the need arise Selecting A Breeder Buy your puppy from a responsible and well-respected breeder This cannot be stressed enough. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed. For example,they work on breeding healthier dogs with the appropriate temperament for their breed Your AKC breeder referral contact will direct you to a breeder who is concerned with the future of the puppy Once you select a breeder, screen the breeder. Ask to see at least one of the parents (the dam or the sire) of your puppy See how the dogs in your breeder's home interact with your breeder. Are they friendly and outgoing or do they shy away9 The responsible breeder will be screening you, too, looking for the best home for each puppy Esparza, Patty From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, March 19, 12 3 05 PM To, Esparza, Patty Subject FW Ending puppy mill sales From: Linda Ford [mailto.lford7@socal.rr.com] Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 3:02 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Subject: Ending puppy mill sales I support the position of ending the sale of animals from "puppy mills" 1 Esparza, Patty E• From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 6 10 PM To: Esparza, Patty Subject. FW Dog &Cat Sales From: Joe Lascola [mailto.californiak9kitchen@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 3.05 PM To: Carchio, Joe Cc: Fikes, Cathy Subject: Dog &Cat Sales Dear Councilman Carchio, _t has been brought to my attention that you are introducing legislation to ban the sales of dogs and cats in pet stores within the City of Huntington Beach As a proud citizen of the City as well as a local business that provides services to local pet stores within the City; this is legislation I personally and my company is in complete support of We refuse to sell our products in stores that sell animals I will unfortunately be at a meeting in Corona the evening of the Council meeting, however, I wanted to be able to add my voice of support Should there be any question or support we can offer, please don't hesitate to reply or call my office Thank You, Joe Lascola President, California K9 Kitchen rVe're not just about Gourmet Treats anymore (714) 655-0669 www califormak9kitchen com www petnutritionconsulting com SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION motov Date; //9 SUPPLEMENTAL Es aria, Patty COMMUNICATION From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user govoutreach com] M"Irl Sent Thursday, March 15, 2012 2 50 PM To. CITY COUNCIL, agendaalerts@surfcity-hb org aa�tld item N0� Subject: Surf City Pipeline Comment on an Agenda Item (notifi ion Request# 10678 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson. Request type: Comment Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments Citizen name: Cheryl Zweber Description: RE City Council Member Item for March 19, 2012, City Council Mtg —Animal Protection Ordinance Dear City Council Members On June 22, 2010 we purchased our AKC Chocolate Lab puppy "Carly" from Pets, Pets, Pets @ 5 Points Shopping Center, Huntington Beach Prior to buying her we spoke with August Court, the store's owner of 25 years (his words) He had an answer for every question we had about the pup's he sells, making us feel confident in our decision to buy, along with the fact that they had been in business for so long and he told us he was familiar with the breeder Mr. Court told us our puppy had only been in the shop for one day Paperwork that accompanied our purchase indicated that she had been examined the prior day by the Garden Grove Dog & Cat Hospital Sadly, our dog has had health issues since the evening we brought her home starting with Kennel Cough Within 6 months following numerous bouts of bloody stools and vomiting via abdominal ultra-sound she was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and we were told she would most likely have it the rest of her life and requires she be on a special diet and when the IBD flares, anti-biotics At age one she was diagnosed with Medial Luxating Patella's (a congenital disorder) in both hind legs She's had the surgeries to repair her hind Patella's (knees) each requiring confinement and limited movement for 8 weeks and up to 14-16 weeks for full recovery Note that from this disorder she has developed arthritis requiring daily doses of anti-inflammatory meds Our vet bills in 2011 alone were in excess of$6,000 In the midst of all of her health issues I decided to look further into her background using the Certificate of Pedigree we were given at time of purchase The Certificate was issued by The Hunte Corporation, Goodman, Missouri Online research indicates that this company is a huge warehouse used for the distribution of 1,000's of dogs annually to suppliers all over the United States The Certificate names Shelly Minor as the Breeder Upon checking the various inspection records of the US Dept of Agriculture on Shelly Minor of D U Care Kennel,Nevada, Missouri there are reports of green growth in water bowls, bowls used for feed and or water are chewed or rusted and not clean, outside enclosures with jagged edges or sharp points posing potential injury to the dogs as well as insufficient coverage exposing the dogs to the extreme heat, unkempt partition areas of the enclosures exposing dogs to unsanitary conditions, exposure to pests and compromising the well-being of the dogs, wooden dog houses in disrepair 1 There's no doubt after all of my online research that our dog purchased from Pets Pets Pets`came'from a Puppy Mill We are sickened and disheartened by all of the pain and medical procedures our poor dog has had to endure She's been through so much and is only 23,months old' This whole ordeal has been extremely emotional and financially stressful on us My husband and I have been residents of Huntington Beach for over 35 years We URGE the Huntington Beach City Council to approve the proposal to draft an ordinance and ultimately approve the BAN of all commercial sales/resale of dogs and cats in our city We need to do what we can to STOP the perpetual cruelty and abuse of dogs and cats cycled from mills through pet shop doors Sincerely, Cheryl & Gary Zweber czgzgsocal rr com (714) 962-0326 Expected Close Date: 03/16/2012 Click here to access the request Note This message is for notification purposes only Please do not reply to this email Email replies are not monitored and will be ignored 2 Esparza, Patty From. Flynn, Joan Sent: Thursday, March 15, 2012 10 21 PM To. Esparza, Patty Subject: Fw The Reality of Puppy Mills Please add Keith's email (below) with the video link to the supplemental communication packet Fhanks Joan L Flynn, CIVIC Huntington Beach City Clerk ----- Original Message ----- From Keith Bohr [mailto keith bohr@gmail com] Sent Thursday, March 15, 2012 10 10 PM To Wilson, Fred, Carchio, Joe, Frymire, Laurie Cc Flynn, Joan Subject The Reality of Puppy Mills This is the best quality and less than 3 minute video I found on You Tube I would recommend you play it at mtg Joe, but your call Joan please add this as a communication to the city council and yourself re Joe's H item Check out this video on YouTube http //www youtube com/watch?v=ZVyFSTYY7zg&feature=youtube gdata player Thank you, Keith Bohr 714-315-2143 cell SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION :,ice Date: ,hg—zao—a Agenda Rom No., � i Esparza, Patty From: Flynn, Joan Sent. Monday, March 19, 2012 8 39 AM To: Esparza, Patty SUPPLEMENTAL Subject. Fw Fwd Monday's City Council meeting COMMUNICATION Joan L Flynn, CIVIC Agef4a Item No. /3 Huntington Beach City Clerk From: Keith Bohr [mailto keith bohr@gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 08:09 PM To: Fikes, Cathy Cc. Flynn, Joan Subject. Fwd. Monday's City Council meeting Cathy Please print this out for me to read at the council meeting and by Cc on this I am also giving a copy to the City Clerk. Thxf Here's my letter Honorable Mayor and City Council Members What a great day today has become for everyone that has a loving heart for pets Some progress has been made in the education of spay and neuter of animals, yet, not nearly fast enough Millions of animals are being killed every year because many people simply don't care Councilman Carchio, I applaud you for "caring " The step you are taking to ban the sale of puppies from puppy mills that just breed animals for profit will no longer profit in Huntington Beach What a great example we, Huntington Beach citizens, are sending to the rest of the state and nation We, at A Leg Up Rescue, very often pick up little puppies from shelters that are found not to be "saleable merchandise " These are the runts of litters that breeders throw away because they are not perfect and would not be profitable to them We, at A Leg Up Rescue then take these sweet little creatures, nourish and care for them until good homes can be found By not allowing any dogs and cats to be sold in pet stores any longer sends a message to those breeders that we, Huntington Beach citizens, no long tolerate this i Thank you City Council for taking this bold step and no longer allow the sale of dogs and cats in Huntington Beach Pet Stores We, at a Leg Up Rescue, invite the-City Council and everyone in the audience to come to the Rescue Roundup on April 7 from'2=�6 pm,4 the'Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center This is a fundraising event for our organization, celebrating with food, music, pony rides, children's activities AND the LAKER GIRLS Please come and celebrate with us 1,06 pe'rcerft"of the proceeds goes to our dog rescue efforts Yes, we save those little puppies thrown away by the puppy mills people Thank you everyone for helping those little animals that can't help themselves We try and give them a voice GISELA CAMPAGNE 714-328-8661 campa ne123 gsocal rr com Some days you're the dog Some days you're the tree Thank you, Keith Bohr 714-315-2143 cell z Esparza, Patty From- Fikes, Cathy Sent Friday, March 16, 2012 4 21 PM To Esparza, Patty Subject: FW Mondays meeting From: ShawnGSDRescue@aol com [mailto:ShawnGSDRescue@aol.com] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 3:47 PM To: Hansen, Don Cc: Fikes, Cathy Subject: Mondays meeting Dear Mayor Hansen, My name is Shawn Hollub and I am a business owner and resident of Huntington Beach I am personally reaching out to you to PLEASE ban the sale of live animals in the city of Huntington Beach I have witnessed over and over again the sick animals purchased at Pets, Pets, Pets at Huntington Pet Vet(my Vet who also treats the stores animals after purchase) In this day and age when millions of animals are put down in shelters there is no reason why these stores should exist They deny it, but it is common knowledge they buy their dogs from puppy mills The way those animals live is criminal I love Surf City and would love us to follow the example of many other forward thinking cities and ban the sale of live animals Thank you for your time Shawn Hollub 16672 Melville Circle Huntington Harbour, CA SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Dft. Y.Z,12 Z4 A"%M No. 1. 3 Esparza, Patty From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 4 22 PM To: Esparza, Patty Subject: FW Proposed ban of puppy mill dogs From: Janich, Beth [HMA] [mailto bJanich@hmausa.com] Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 1.37 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Cc: SanMamaSan; Raymond Sherrard; Janich, Paul Subject: Proposed ban of puppy mill dogs Dear HB City Council, I am writing to voice my enthusiastic support of the bill proposed by Joe Carchio to ban the sale of puppy mill dogs in the great city of Huntington Beach It is heart breaking to know that we have been supporting this inhumane and cruel industry by allowing our pet stores to sell these puppies It's time to take a stand for what is morally and ethically right If you pass this bill,you can all be proud that you made a difference in the lives of thousands of defenseless animals Please, please, please do the right thing and pass this bill With sincere appreciation, Beth Janich 1002 Lake St H B, CA 92648 The information in this email and any attachments are for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain privileged and confidential information If you are not the intended recipient,any use,disclosure,copying or distribution of this message or attachment is strictly prohibited We have taken precautions to minimize the risk of transmitting software viruses but we advise you to carry out your own virus checks on any attachment to this message We cannot accept liability for any loss or damage caused by software viruses If you believe that you have received this email in error please contact the sender immediately and delete the email and all of its attachments SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 9 Le a Arr da Item No. /3 1 Esparza, Patty From: Surf City Pipeline [noreply@user govoutreach com] Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2012 1 16 PM To: CITY COUNCIL, agendaalerts@surfcity-hb org Subject. Surf City Pipeline Comment on an Agenda Item (notification) Request# 10689 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson. Request type: Comment Request area: City Council - Agenda & Public Hearing Comments Citizen name: Laurie Talbert Description: Dear City Council Members - I have been a resident of Huntington Beach for over 39 years, my husband for over 34 years We urge the Huntington Beach City Council to approve the proposal to draft an ordinance & ultimately approve the ban of all commercial sales/resale of dogs & cats in our city We need to do what we can to stop the perpetual cruelty & abuse of dogs & cats cycled from mills through pet shop doors I ask this in the name of all animals, but especially in the name of Carly Carly is a beautiful, sweet dog who is not even 2 years old & has had numerous health issues She was bought from Pets, Pets, Pets at 5 Points Shopping Center by my brother & sister-in-law Please help Huntington Beach take a stand to not allow unscrupulous pet shop owners to continue to make profits at the expense of our animals Our animals have nobody to speak for them if we don't do it Please, I urge your Sincerely, Laurie & Steve Talbert stevetalbertgverizon net<mailto.stevetalbertgverizon net> 714-536-0912 Expected Close Date: 03/19/2012 Click here to access the request Note This message is for notification purposes only Please do not reply to this email Email replies are not monitored and will be ignored SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION rA***g Date: 1d,,, Ag•(Wa nem No., /.3 Esparza, Patty From: Surf City Pipeline[noreply@user govoutreach com] Sent. Sunday, March 18, 2012 5 11 PM To. CITY COUNCIL, agendaalerts@surfcity-hb org Subject: Surf City Pipeline Comment on an Agenda Item (notification) Request# 10699 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson. Request type: Comment Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments Citizen name: Rita Giovinazzo Description: I was thrilled to hear this ordinance is being introduced March 19th by Joe Carchio and can only hope that it passes unanimously I live in neighboring Irvine - who already passed this ordinance I have to say, I am new to this area, and was walking through the Irvine Spectrum two weeks ago, when I heard the unmistakable barking of puppies To say I was stunned to see a boutique pet store with more than 15 puppies is an understatement What left me speechless were the young couple actually looking to purchase a puppy I saw puppies running in circles, madly jumping against their tiny enclosures The whole scene was heartbreaking I don't care what is written on the front of the enclosures, these puppies are not coming from reputable breeders, we all know these are puppy mill animals and buying these puppies supports a nasty, inhumane, abusive and miserable life for dogs who have never even touched the ground or grass with their paws Thankfully, Russo's in Irvine will not renew their lease when it is up, but I have to wonder, what becomes of the puppies9 Will they end up in shelters where there is almost no chance for a good outcome9 A dog friendly city must be one where dogs can run on a beach, enjoy a meal at a restaurant while their human buddy gets to eat too, where they meet other dog buddies, and where a pet store is a place to buy pet supplies, not live animals You don't buy kids from a store, why would you buy pets from a store9 The only place that should be giving pets away to good loving forever homes are the animal shelters This is a no-brainer- pass the ordinance banning the sales of pets in pet stores Thank you Expected Close Date: 03/19/2012 Click here to access the request Note This message is for notification purposes only Please do not reply to this email Email replies are not monitored and will be ignored SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Mee"Date:1�Ia D/d-.— Agei+da item No. /3 1 Esparza, Patty From: Fikes, Cathy Sent Monday, March 19, 2012 11 22 AM To: Esparza, Patty Subject: FW OCREGISTER H B councilman wants ban on dog and cat sales From: Pat Goodman [mailto patgoodman@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 8.53 AM To: Carchio, Joe; CITY COUNCIL Subject: Re- OCREGISTER. H.B. councilman wants ban on dog and cat sales Dear Council Member Carchio, Thank you for taking the lead on the very important issue of banning the commercial sale of cats, dogs and other domestic pets in our city One of the saddest parts of this issue is people who buy a pet in good faith but have been duped into contributing to the inhumane treatment of animals because the animals are from facilities such as puppy mills Consumers are unaware of the treatment and history of their pet These sites are notoriously agreggious in their mistreatment of animals The other issue is that there are plenty of animals in our shelters to adopt This is one of the kindest things a person can do Adopt and care for a pet from our shelters I'm sure that this is an issue that the city council can unanimously support Patricia Goodman 18531 Bentley Ln, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 "The greatness of a nation and Its moral progress can be judged by the way Its animals are treated." Gandhi SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION �►eetir:g Date: �- Agenda ttwn No. A-3 Esparza, Patty From: Fikes, Cathy Sent Monday, March 19, 2012 11 21 AM To: Esparza, Patty Subject: FW Animal Sales in Pet Stores From: Suzanne Millhollen [mailto•smillhollenl@cox net] Sent: Sunday, March 18, 2012 10.54 AM To: CITY COUNCIL Subject: Animal Sales in Pet Stores It is inhumane to keep animals locked up in small crates pending sales from ANY pet store! This should be stopped immediately. Concerned Citizen SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeft Date: Agenda hem No. * ,�3 Esparza, Patty From: Fikes, Cathy Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 12 38 PM To: Esparza, Patty Subject: FW BAN SALE OF PUPPY MILL DOGS IN HB From: Charlie Allen [mailto•surfsidecharlie@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 12.34 PM To: CITY COUNCIL Subject: BAN SALE OF PUPPY MILL DOGS IN HB Councilman Carchio and all City Council Members As a resident of Huntington Beach since 1979, I wholly support a BAN of the sale of Puppy Mill Dogs With countless animals suffering and/or awaiting euthansia in local and non-local pounds, there is no need for more overbred dogs from puppy mills Additionally, the condition of most puppy mills is less than humane and they should be shut down. Banning the sale of these helpless animals is a giant step in the right direction Councilman Carchio, as the vice-president of Catnip and Carrots Animal Bunch, I am behind you in this edeavorl I hope the remainder of the council members feel the same Sincerely, Charlean Allen 8216 Foxhall Dr HB 92646 SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION WOO oft Esparza, Patty From: Surf City Pipeline[noreply@user govoutreach com] Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 3 45 PM To: CITY COUNCIL, agendaalerts@surfcity-hb org Subject: Surf City Pipeline Comment on an Agenda Item (notification) Request# 10723 from the Government Outreach System has been assigned to Johanna Stephenson. Request type: Comment Request area: City Council - Agenda& Public Hearing Comments Citizen name: Sheila Krussman Description: Thank you for allowing so many voters to express their positive comments towards Joe Carchno's proposal last evening A long rote for all but I noticed the voters in favor of this ban did not leave until the topic was addressed again at the end of the evening Couple of additional comments there should be NO exceptions to this ban for the 1-2 stores that were mentioned as they didn't show up or comment as to the efficacy of the purchase of their animals They can't They will tell you and I speak directly with first time knowledge of Pets, Pets, Pets that he gets his animals from a "broker" a psedonym for puppy mill as the broker purchases direct from the mill My Poodle purchased there was indeed a mutt He wouldn't return our calls or talk to us to remedy the situation We found a comparable home for the pup I couldn't keep her due to severe allergies and he was told exactly why medically I had to have a purebred poodle, n e non-shedding and low dander We couldn't keep her for long or the attachment would be far greater and this was a mess Again , no phone calls or honorable way to fess up to how this man runs his business Luckily we found her a terrific home If you allow "special permits" for some in HB to do this surely this will be looked on as favoritism and more importantly these 2 or so stores would create a monopoly on the sale of animals increasing the puppy mill business as one could only buy from those few stores Again, remind yourself of Russo's in Fashion Island, Irvine, Tustin, and more importantly all of Petco DO NOT sell puppies They do have adoptable strays in some stores If not outlawed in general you also could create a "monitoring" system whereby rules for the stores have to be created, and followed up on and is the city really willing or skilled to oversee that prof ect9 Someone I believe the mayor questioned the curtailing of someone's business. If so, then why ban plastic bags which get reused and hopefully disposed of properly But even so, did anyone worry about the manufacturers monetary concern for the creation of the plastic bags9 As statistics were given of the 40% euphannzed animals in HB, let's please do the right thing and not have this impulse buy (with no return policy) no ethics involved at all except for the store owner to profit by the misery of these puppy mill animals and the actual 1 health of the puppies themselves i e kennel cough, etc The legitimate breeder we sought out allowed us to see both parents of our poodle, the parents have been genetically tested (to insure pedigree and health), both parents are show dogs which require all the specific testing We got one of the litter with the intention of not showing and we neutered "Mr Frank" Again we paid dearly for him but due to my asthma I really was limited as to choice of animals He's now 3 and thriving in a happy home It's not always we are in a postion to be able to do the right thing for humanitarian reasons Please, please do the right thing The council has the opportunity to do the right thing You may not have to reinvent the wheel but take from the others before you i e Irvine and Tustin cities Please consider this We can have the opportunity to join others in a leadership role with these concerns Thank you again Sheila Krussman Expected Close Date: 03/21/2012 Click here to access the request Note This message is for notification purposes only Please do not reply to this email Email replies are not monitored and will be ignored z