Nanaimo city council decided it needs more information before deciding whether to proceed with a ban on dog and cat sales at pet stores.
The issue was debated Monday at a special council meeting at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Councillors first voted against staff’s recommendation to regulate the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits at retail stores, then began debating an outright ban before determining they didn’t have enough information to make their decision.
“The SPCA does have rules in place and there [are] laws in place to deal with the issue if there is a problem with the sale of pets…” said Coun. Sheryl Armstrong. “I would support regulation, but I’m concerned about it being over-regulated. I would not support a ban.”
Coun. Diane Brennan said she does not think an outright ban would be supported by the public.
“I think people do want to protect animals, but I also think they don’t want to put businesses out of business,” she said.