SF pet store owners prepare to fight as city plots ban on sale of live animals

Animal rights activists could soon get their way if officials in San Francisco decide to ban pet stores from selling live animals.Dozens and dozens of animal rights activists this week called on the SF Animal Commission to vote on a Retail Animal Sales Ban that would prohibit stores in the city from selling any live pets.During the commission meeting on Thursday, city leaders heard from proponents who said the ban would stop the “breeding mills” and “wild catching” of animals, like reptiles.The proponents also claim that the ban would stop the neglect of animals, “invasive species,” and would solve the problem of overcrowded shelters and rescues. Animal and human rights activist Kitty Jones told the commission that there’s a ton of support for the ban locally, noting more than 60 organizations have signed on to a letter calling for it. Activists pointed out that there are 29 pet stores in the city that only offer services such as grooming, boarding, supplies and adoptions.Only nine of the city’s pet stores still sell animals, according to officials.Those included several Petco’s, the Animal Connection, Pet Central SF, the Animal company and Ocean Aquarium.Pet shop owners in the city are not happy about the ban, and are willing to fight.“This is our livelihood,” one worker at Pet Central SF told the San Francisco Chronicle.

“This is a business, this is what we rely on.”The longtime owner of the Animal Company, Rick French, said it would just be another terrible policy from the city that makes it harder for business owners to operate.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story “Yet another footstep in San Francisco making it too difficult to run a business.”“They’re just overreaching.It’s overboard,” he added.

“I think t...