Final OK for Carmel Valley Pet Shop, Camper Bans Expected Tuesday

The City Council on Tuesday was expected to give final approval to a ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in the city of San Diego, and to restrictions on parking oversized vehicles.

The ban on the retail sale of pets is designed to end the flow of animals from so-called "puppy mills," places located mostly out of state where mothers are allegedly kept in inhumane conditions.

Private sales from breeders and adoptions from rescue organizations would still be allowed. Chain stores like Petco and Petsmart frequently host adoption events by such groups.

The owner of the main establishment to be affected by the ordinance, David Salinas of San Diego Puppy, contended at a prior meeting that the puppies he receives are bred in humane conditions at sites he has visited.

He said he receives a lot of repeat business because he sells quality pets. He also said he has been under constant attack by extremists in the animal rights movement.

The amendment to the municipal code makes it "unlawful for any person to display, offer for sale, deliver, barter, auction, give away, transfer or sell any live dog, cat or rabbit in any pet shop, retail business or other commercial establishment located in the city of San Diego, unless the dog, cat or rabbit was obtained from a city or county animal shelter or animal control agency, a humane society or a nonprofit rescue organization."

The ordinance on oversized vehicles would prohibit the parking of oversized vehicles between 2 and 6 a.m., and within 50 feet of an intersection at any time. Exceptions would be made for delivery trucks and school buses, and residents could apply for permits for recreational vehicles to park for 24 hours, giving owners time to load and unload for trips.

The ordinance is in response to numerous homeowner complaints that large vehicles block views and create traffic hazards when left along curbsides in residential neighborhoods.

Councilman Kevin Faulconer, who spearheaded the effort to pass the restrictions, said vehicles that are too big for neighborhoods cause public safety, quality of life and environmental problems.

It could take several months to a year before the ordinance is implemented, because the part that affects beach communities needs approval by the California Coastal Commission.

-City News Service