Sunday

07-06-2025 Vol 2013

Las Vegas Mayor Plans Pet Store Regulations, Aims for Complete Ban

Mayor Shelley Berkley of Las Vegas is poised to introduce new regulations that would ban the sale of dogs and cats in newly opened pet stores.

However, she indicated that an outright ban across all stores isn’t currently on the agenda.

In a recent interview at her City Hall office, Berkley shared that two significant ordinances concerning animal sales are expected to be discussed in the City Council’s upcoming meeting in August.

One of the proposed ordinances, introduced by Councilwoman Victoria Seaman, seeks to impose stricter regulations on the enclosures used in pet stores, particularly regarding the treatment of sick animals.

The second ordinance, sponsored by Berkley in conjunction with Councilwoman Nancy Brune, would prohibit the sale of dogs, cats, rabbits, and potbellied pigs in new pet stores within city limits.

While this measure would allow existing pet stores to continue sales, Berkley acknowledged her long-term aspiration of achieving a complete ban on pet sales.

“What I would like to see is it eventually phase out,” she stated.

Berkley clarified that an immediate ban is not feasible at this time; however, she believes that the council will move swiftly when they reconvene in August.

Furthermore, she expressed her desire to eventually see a complete ban on the sale of pets in shops, emphasizing the need to eliminate puppy mills and improve animal welfare standards.

Critics of pet stores argue that they play a significant role in supporting unethical breeding practices, often involving out-of-state breeders who overbreed animals and care for them poorly.

Animal advocates claim that pet stores can sometimes keep animals in inadequate conditions, leading to the sale of sick pets to unsuspecting customers.

In defense, pet stores insist that they maintain high standards for animal care and are committed to ensuring that all animals are healthy and treated well prior to purchase.

The debate over pet store sales recently intensified in Carson City, where lawmakers considered Assembly Bill 487, a proposed statewide ban on pet store sales.

The bill faced significant opposition from a trade group representing pet stores, which hired a lobbyist to work against it.

Ultimately, the bill was significantly altered and transformed into an interim study proposal that failed to pass before the legislative session concluded.

During discussions surrounding the bill, city lobbyists testified in favor of its original form, showcasing a clear divide in opinions about pet sales.

Las Vegas had previously enacted a ban on pet store sales, but this measure was repealed before implementation.

Currently, Clark County has banned pet store sales entirely, while Henderson has enacted similar restrictions on new stores, prompting the sales of dogs and cats to shift back into Las Vegas.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Berkley noted that while she supports a total ban, securing unanimous support from the City Council might present difficulties.

“I would like to get a unanimous vote from the City Council, so it shows strength that we’re working together and protecting the animals,” she commented.

Berkley believes achieving a consensus for a gradual ban may be more attainable than an overarching immediate ban.

Recent incidents of animal cruelty in the area have highlighted the urgent need for reform.

One particularly shocking case involved a bulldog named Reba, who was found taped inside a storage bin and abandoned in the extreme heat, sparking outrage among animal advocates.

This incident, among others, emphasized the pressing demand for stricter animal protection measures, notably after a bill to increase penalties for animal cruelty nearly failed but was ultimately revived and passed with overwhelming support.

Berkley noted that the local animal shelter is grappling with overcrowding, further stressing the dire need for action against animal abuse.

“We’re dealing with real bad human behavior,” she remarked.

She expressed her confusion over why individuals would own pets only to mistreat them, highlighting the ongoing problem of pet abandonment, abuse, and neglect.

The Las Vegas City Council is set to deliberate on the proposed animal ordinances during their meeting on August 6.

image source from:ktnv

Benjamin Clarke