San Marcos, Texas has proposed an ordinance that will prohibit pet stores from sourcing dogs from licensed breeders. This ordinance will limit pet choice and consumer protections for San Marcos area families seeking a dog that fits their needs and lifestyle.
Retail pet sales bans/ restrictions limit consumer protections and choice, while doing nothing to actually help dogs. A better solution is to consider broad consumer protection and cruelty laws that hold all accountable who sell or transport dogs and continuing to allow pet stores to source from all humane sources including from licensed breeders.
Further, licensed breeders in and around Texas are already regulated by the state and/or the USDA. Additionally, licensed breeders are required to follow all state and federal animal welfare laws.
For more talking points on this issue, visit www.akcgr.org/petchoice.
How to help:
AKC encourages dog owners and prospective dog owners to submit written comments to the council opposing the pet store ordinance.
The meeting will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 1st at:
630 East Hopkins
San Marcos, TX 78666
Persons wishing to participate (speak) during the Citizen Comment portion of the meeting must email citizencomment@sanmarcostx.gov the day prior to the meeting and before 12:00pm the day of the meeting. A call-in number to join by phone or link will be provided for participation on a mobile device, laptop or desktop computer. Those wishing to speak in person must sign up in the City Clerk’s office between 8:00AM – 5:45PM the day of the meeting.
Formal letters should be sent to the council email address below in PDF format. Email opposition to the bill with the following email for the city council: councilmembers@sanmarcostx.gov
Additionally, please forward this to any friends you may know in the San Marcos area.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor all Texas legislation impacting dog owners. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.