L.A. is outlawing the sale of dogs and cats that don't come from shelters and approved rescue organizations.

The City Council yesterday voted to approve the ban, which is intended to put an end to the sale of factory “puppy mill” pets in L.A.

The law will go into effect …

… following a “second reading” vote next week. (Such votes rarely change significantly).

In a statement to the Weekly and other outlets, the group Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) took some credit for the vote, noting that it spearheaded an undercover video investigation of puppy mills, sending the results to city leaders.

The group says it …

Credit: Kiwi NZ

Credit: Kiwi NZ

… uncovered evidence that L.A.'s pet retailers are currently in business with commercial breeders (puppy mills) who are neglecting and abusing animals, repeatedly violating USDA minimum standards of care. CAPS also discovered that L.A.'s pet stores are fraudulently selling sick and dying animals that come from substandard commercial breeding facilities and misleading consumers.

Carole Raphaelle Davis, the organization's West Coast director:

After eight years of investigations and protests, we are satisfied and optimistic about breaking the blood money contracts between puppy mill owners who abuse animals and L.A. pet retailers. This ordinance will relieve mill animals and help save the lives of animals who are killed at Los Angeles Animal Services.

Under the city ordinance, introduced by Councilman Paul Koretz:

It shall be unlawful for any person to sell any live dog, cat or rabbit in any pet store, retail business or other commercial establishment located in the City of Los Angeles, unless the dog, cat or rabbit was obtained from an animal shelter or a humane society located in the City of Los Angeles, or a non-profit rescue and humane organization registered with the Department of Animal Services.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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