Cambridge could go beyond Boston in banning animal sales at local stores

The Cambridge Civic Journal reports the Cambridge City Council today hears a proposal to essentially ban the sale of all animals except fish in local pet stores - unless the animals come from local shelters.

In March, the Boston City Council approved a ban on the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits from non-shelter sources at stores and a ban on their sale from the back of vans by the side of the road.

Across the river, some city officials say that's good as far as it goes, but that smaller furry animals - and animals without any fur - deserve similar protection:

Many people are aware of the terrible conditions in which large-scale breeders house and breed dogs and cats, but are unaware that the same terrible conditions effect birds, reptiles, and small mammals - conditions that often violate the federal Animal Welfare Act. ... The law protects dogs, cats, and other mammals, birds and cold-blooded animals bred for the pet trade lack even these minimal protections and are completely unregulated under the Animal Welfare Act; and animals sourced from these breeders have high instances of disease, genetic disorders, and behavioral challenges. ... The MSPCA takes in hundreds of animals each year who were acquired at pet stores as consumers, unaware of hidden problems, are often unprepared and unable to spend the time and money required to properly care for these animals.

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