PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — The Pierce County Council voted on a series of regulations Tuesday designed to curb puppy mills.
The regulations forbid pet shops in unincorporated Pierce County to sell dogs younger than 8 weeks old and require pet stores to get their dogs from an organization licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
If the animal is bought from an individual, that person must be in compliance with the state’s laws on dog breeding.
Pierce County Councilmember Jani Hitchen, who spearheaded the initiative, said the new laws make sure customers aren’t swindled and that the puppies are safe.
“If you go to buy an animal or a pet, you want to know where it came from,” said Hitchen. “You want to know it’s as healthy as possible, and you want to know how much it’s going to cost.”
Last year, Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill into law banning any new pet stores in the state from selling dogs and cats.
Only one business in Pierce County, Puppyland in Puyallup, would be impacted by the new regulations passed by the county council. Given the circumstances, Councilmember Dave Morell raised concerns the pet shop is being unfairly targeted.
“This is one pet store in Pierce County we’re doing this too,” said Morell. “Granted, this is for all pet stores, but there’s only one pet store we’re addressing here.”
Hitchen said she understands the pet shop’s position, and the regulations were adjusted to make sure Puppyland stays open. But she also said that the regulations signal a new day for Pierce County when it comes to puppy sales.
“People want to be able to buy a puppy from a store, but to do it and to make sure the animals coming in are treated humanely, and transparency is happening about where the animals are coming from, how they’re treated, and their price,” she said. “Those three things were unclear. Now, they must be clear before people buy animals."
The legislation still needs to be signed by Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier. Once that happens, the legislation will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.