Hastings and Hastings Stands in Support of New Pet Store Regulation

    PHOENIX, AZ, October 30, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This overpopulation has led to overcrowding in shelters and pounds, which has led to large numbers of cats and dogs being euthanized. The City of Phoenix has passed a progressive piece of legislation which is aimed at reducing the overpopulation problem, and Hastings & Hastings stands in full support.

The law, as passed by the Phoenix City Council, makes it illegal for pet stores to sell dogs or cats unless they come from a non-profit shelter, rescue organization, or pound. The goal of the City Council is to end the abuse of puppy mills and large scale animal breeders. These so called "puppy mills," continuously produce large amounts of puppies regardless of the growing pet overpopulation problem. By eliminating the ability of pet stores to buy from puppy mills, Phoenix lawmakers hope to see these abusive organizations disappear entirely.

The ordinance was not passed without opposition. Many who stand against the law cite that it will negatively impact small-scale home breeders. The law, however, was not designed to target these breeders, and in fact, has written in exceptions to protect so-called "backyard breeders."

Hastings & Hastings knows that the relationship between individuals and their animals is deeply personal and meaningful, which is why Hastings & Hastings stands in further support of the ordinance, and its exception of "backyard breeders" from the new sanctions. Such breeders often run their business with deeply felt passion and dedication, traits Hastings & Hastings holds in high regard.

The new ordinance gives Phoenix law enforcement officials the ability to charge pet shops that violate the new law with a misdemeanor. Violators could further face up to six months in jail, and be levied a hefty $2,500 fine.

The new ordinance has met with massive support nationwide, with organizations like the Humane Society of the United States speaking of the law in laudatory terms. Grassroots organizations across the country have also spoke out in support.

Hastings & Hastings supports regulations which aim at ending abusive practices and closing potentially open ended legal loopholes. Further, Hastings & Hastings just loves puppies and kittens.

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