ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The sale of live animals—specifically cats, dogs and rabbits—that come from breeding mills soon will be prohibited within the city limits of Allentown.
The measure was discussed during a busy meeting of Allentown City Council on Wednesday.
- The sale of dogs, cats and rabbits that come from breeding facilities will be banned in the City of Allentown
- Adoption of animals from non-profit groups and rescue shelters still is permitted
- Any pet store caught selling animals from breeding facilities will be hit with a $600 fine
“We just wanted to say thanks so much for your consideration of this ordinance,” Kristen Tullo, director of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Humane Society of the United States, told council.
In an effort to deter the proliferation of the sale of animals that enter the market from pet mills—or, as the bill calls them, “large-scale, commercial breeding facilities where the health and welfare of the animals are not adequately provided for”—council unanimously approved the move to prohibit the sale of animals that come from these facilities.
The adoption of pets from non-profit animal rescues or shelters is not affected by this move. And pet supply stores can still provide space to display animals—such as puppies, kittens and baby rabbits—available for adoption from non-profit rescue organizations.
But the sale of animals that come from a mill will be punishable by a $600 fine when the ordinance takes effect in 90 days.
In discussing the move, Councilwoman Candida Affa, worried that a loophole remains. The bill won’t ban the sale of animals that come from breeder mills at outdoor venues or in the Allentown Fairgrounds at Agricultural Hall.
“My concern is, these breeders, knowing they can’t sell to pet stores here in Allentown, they could continually get licensed—not licensed, but rent—Ag Hall more than once or twice a year, possibly several times a year, to sell their animals to the public," Affa said.
"Which is almost the same as selling it to the pet stores.”
Council determined that issue would be best saved for a separate ordinance. Council members unanimously approved the ban.
Also, during the meeting, council approved a zoning change to support a project that Allentown-based developer Urban Residential Properties plans to bring to the Lehigh River waterfront.
“We try to create nice sidewalks. We try to do a nice, beautiful plan. We try to implement parks and greenspace. And ultimately, it’s the right thing for this city. So, I stand by this proposal 100%.”Developer John Palumbo of Urban Residential Properties on his plan for Allentown's riverfront.
The move would change the zoning designation for two parcels along Riverside Drive from industrial use to urban commercial use.
Developer John Palumbo, who requested the change, told council members he hopes to help create a waterfront that residents can be proud of.
“We try to create nice sidewalks. We try to do a nice, beautiful plan. We try to implement parks and greenspace,” Palumbo said. “And ultimately, it’s the right thing for this city. So I stand by this proposal 100%.”
Council members approved the change, which will help pave the way for Palumbo’s ongoing efforts to bring hundreds of apartments and amenities to the riverfront.
In approving the zoning change, council Vice President Ed Zucal said he believes Palumbo has worked in good faith to improve the city’s waterfront.
“I find him to be a very genuine person,” Zucal.
