Pet stores could sell only rescue animals under bill headed to Jerry Brown

[HAB911]

6. Here in Tampa

Baby step, meager progress

Ban on puppy sales approved in Hillsborough but not for existing stores

TAMPA — There won't be any new puppy stores opening in Hillsborough County, commissioners decided Wednesday in an attempt to crack down on puppy mills.

However, three stores already operating here can remain open if they keep close tabs on their breeders and don't run afoul of state or federal law.

That's the compromise commissioners worked out after months of tough deliberations on a proposal to ban the commercial sale of cats and dogs in Hillsborough County.

Consensus only came after one of the longest commission debates in recent memory, prefaced by dozens of speakers who weighed in on whether the county should make an exception for existing businesses.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/ban-on-puppy-sales-approved-in-hillsborough-but-not-for-existing-stores/2324299