The Las Vegas City Council has introduced an ordinance that would impose new reporting requirements for pet shops. A recommending committee is scheduled to hear the measure, Bill No. 2009-44, on Nov. 3.

As written, the proposed ordinance would require Las Vegas pet shops to provide the city with the following information on a quarterly basis:

• The name and residence address of cat and/or dog buyers.
• The address of the location where the dog or cat will reside, if not the same as the buyer’s residence.
• The breed and approximate age of the animal.
• A description of the animal.

Failure to comply with the requirements would be grounds for a nonrenewal of, or disciplinary action against, a business license.

According to the bill, these requirements are aimed at assisting the city in enforcing a mandatory spay and neuter provision proposed in the same measure.

As introduced, Bill No. 2009-44 would also require animals over 4 months old to be spayed or neutered, except under specified circumstances, such as the animal is held by a person with a fancier’s permit or if it is medically unsuited for the procedure. In addition, the bill would require the microchipping of dogs and cats before they can be recovered from impound or adopted.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has released an alert in which it calls the provisions for pet shop owners “unreasonable” and “burdensome.” The organization suggests the proposed requirements would cause shoppers to choose pet stores outside the Las Vegas city limits. The AKC also claimed that the measure would increase costs for stores that have to sterilize animals over 4 months old.

Click here to view Bill No. 2009-44. <HOME>