Salt Lake City adopts law requiring pet stores to sell only shelter animals

(KUTV) -- The Salt Lake City Council voted unanimously on Tuesdayto approve a new city ordinance that prohibits pet stores from selling animals unless they come from shelters or rescues.

The ordinance was proposed by Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski's administration in October to curb inhumane puppy mills and encourage adoption.

Furthermore, the ordinance prohibits commercial animal operations from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless they're received from an animal shelter, an animal control agency, a humane society or a nonprofit rescue organization.

The new restrictions are intended to reduce pet overpopulation and ensure animals sold in commercial animal establishments are treated appropriately and humanely, city officials said.

The meeting additionally addressed the following issues:

• Received a follow-up briefing about an ordinance pertaining to regulation of inland port uses. These changes would bring city code in line with state code requirements for an inland port. Also, conditional uses under the proposed zoning overlay for this area would require an impact mitigation plan. The Planning Division has suggested development standards for activities involving transporting, unloading, loading, transferring, or temporarily storing natural resources. A second public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 27 and then action is possible on Dec. 4.
• Received an update about major projects from the Public Utilities Department. Some of the project updates included development of the Northwest Quadrant, the state prison, the east-west aqueduct, and a water treatment plant rebuild. The Public Utilities staff will continue to provide status updates to the council on these major projects.
• Received a briefing from the County Center for the Arts about the Eccles Theater Site operating budget, which is governed by the Utah Performing Arts Center Agency.
• Briefed about adjustments to the City’s budgets, including some proposed projects related to an Eastside Police Precinct, impact fees; a sewer line repair for the Glendale golf course; airport shuttle funding, and contingency funding for UN visit. A continued briefing and public hearing are scheduled for November 27, along with possible action.

The Council also was:

• Briefed about an ordinance that would amend how permits are issued for individuals who solicit or sell products or services face-to-face. The changes would take into account those who already have a state solicitation permit and would remove duplicate requirements. Action possible on Nov. 27.
• Received a follow-up briefing about a proposal that would amend the City’s process for evaluating surplus real property to advance additional affordable housing objectives outlined in the Housing Plan adopted in December 2017. Possible action on Nov. 27.
• Briefed about an ordinance that would allow for additional signage options in the Open Space Zoning District. Hearing scheduled for Dec. 4, and action possible on Dec. 11.
• Conducted eight public hearings.

The next SLC council work session and formal meeting is scheduled for Dec. 4.