California animal activists are applauding what they say is a major win for animals after the retail sale of cats and dogs was banned by the Irvine City Council.
Councilman Jeffrey Lalloway was the lone dissenter in the 4-1 vote. Lalloway said that while he is totally opposed to animal cruelty, he is concerned that banning retail sales will drive internet buyers to online puppy mills.
Lalloway “Today, tonight, we are here to deal with a problem that simply does not exist,” Lalloway said in an interview with the Daily Pilot. “We do not have any mass breeding facilities here in Irvine. We have one pet store, Russo’s, which will not be selling dogs and cats after next year.”
More than 50 members of the public went before the council to express concerns about animal cruelty, puppy mills and the health risks such facilities pose to young animals.
“It’s just a win for animals all around,” said local organizer Wendy Fears. “I’m just real proud of Irvine for standing up against animal abuse.”
