Hollywood Approves Ban On "Puppy Mills" & "Kitten Factories"

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HOLLYWOOD (CBSMiami) -- Hollywood will become the latest city to prohibit the sale of so-called "puppy mill" pets in retail stores.

On Wednesday, commissioners passed a proposed ordinance 6-1 in favor of prohibiting the retail sale of dogs and cats that come from large-scale commercial breeders.

Instead, stores will now have to switch to a humane business model and sell animals from humane societies, rescue groups and shelters.

"The City Commission believes that 'puppy mills' and 'kitten factories' continue to exist in part because of public demand fueled by the availability of dogs and cats in pet stores leading to 'impulse' purchases," the ordinance said.

The goal of the new ordinance is to eliminate puppy mills that produce sick animals.

The commission also said they believe the ordinance will help reduce the likelihood that animals will be mistreated or abused, due to the screening process that animal shelters have in place to link pets with just the right owner.

Other cities that have similar bans in Broward are Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Hallandale Beach, Lauderhill, Margate, North Lauderdale, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Tamarac and Wilton Manors.