A friend linked to an article, Council Votes on Pet Shop Ban, regarding new action soon to be voted on that would make it illegal for pet stores in West Hollywood to sell cats or dogs unless they're abandoned or rescued. Any pet shop selling any other dogs or cats would be shut down. I think one of the main hopes is that this will start a movement to shut down puppy mills and other places which abuse animals on a mass level. Many are excited about this measure and the positive consequences it may have for animal welfare. But I was immediately wary, and I commented on why:
I'm thrilled that there are enough people concerned about the hideous practices of puppy mills and others who basically abuse animals to make a buck, but I'm also really concerned about the limitations of this kind of legal action and what it means for actual freedom. Having lived in Cali for a very short time, I know this kind of thing is nothing new there, but it always makes me wary.
My friend asked what freedoms I was talking about, so I elaborated:
Whose legally granted rights are being protected here while they're moving to shut down businesses? What about pet stores who exercise responsibility and conscience by selling dogs and cats from local breeders who raise their animals well? They're probably in the minority, but they exist.
It makes little moral sense to me to go after puppy mills by shutting down businesses indiscriminately. The end does not justify the means here. Only allowing abandoned or rescued animals to be sold? How will that be documented and enforced? Why not provide an exemption for breeders who meet certain standards for the treatment of their animals?
How much can we justly legislate human freedom based on animals' supposed rights? I love animals, and it pains me deeply to see them abused and mistreated, and I believe education on what's going on is seriously needed, but this kind of action just doesn't make sense to me.
But, as the article states, this is from "the city that pioneered a ban on cat-declawing", a practice I believe should be avoided, but the feel-good criminalization of which I think is an unnerving encroachment of government into my life.
Those of you who know me well know I've always had a tender place in my heart for animals and concern for their well-being. I'm so glad people are becoming aware of the issue, but I'm also concerned about the reach of government and about possible public backlash in defense of puppy mills and against animal protection groups as a result of potentially draconian efforts.
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