Roadside Puppy Sales Continue - Ordinance Takes Effect Today

Note: this post has been updated to account for information provided by Lewisville's Chief of Police
Here in Lewisville, our City Council recently passed a new animal ordinance which among other things banned the roadside sales of animals. One of the big problems with this kind of thing is the safety issue, but another thing is that it promotes an irresponsible industry that ultimately harms society.

Here on February 14th, weeks after the ordinance passed, is yet another roadside puppy sale:



Due to timing issues, the ordinance will not take effect until February 16th, though the city originally had said February 9th.

The ordinance allows an exception where properties are "certified to sell animals". I was on my way to a meeting, so I didn't ask to see a permit, but I would think it's safe to assume that the government doesn't issue permits for an address like "grassy area alongside the intersection of I-35 and 3040".

So here's my rant on this: Normally I don't care too much what people choose to do with their money. But buying a pet is not something that needs to be an impulse decision based on a drive-by. When people do that, and they're not prepared to be pet owners, they place a burden on not only the animals who often suffer, or eventually get euthanized, but on the rest of us taxpayers who must pay for animal services.

Controlling the pet population is important. Please be a responsible pet owner:
- Adopt a pet through a rescue or animal shelter. These are some of the most loving animals you will ever have.
- Have your pet spayed or neutered.
- Vaccinate your pet, and pay for registration tags.

TO REPORT VIOLATIONS OF THE CITY'S ANIMAL ORDINANCE:
Call the police department's Non-Emergency number: (972) 219-3640

EMERGENCIES:
Dial 911

Animal Control:
(972) 219-3478