BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Christmas came early for Fido and friends.
Bethlehem officials on Tuesday voted to ban the sale of animals from “puppy mills” in pet stores within the city limits, joining the likes of neighboring cities Allentown and Easton.
Animals specifically protected by the new ordinance would include dogs, cats, and rabbits.
The new language defines these "mills" as, "large-scale commercial breeding facilities where the health and welfare of the animals are not adequately provided for ... "
City Council’s Public Safety Committee first discussed the required amendments to the current animal ordinance, ultimately voting unanimously in favor to send the new language to the council panel. Council also fully supported the ordinance later that evening.
"Responsible" breeders still would be able to sell directly to customers within the city limits."Bethlehem's animal ordinance
According to the ordinance, any pet store found to be in violation would be required to pay a maximum $500 per animal offered for sale. Any violating shelter or rescue operation paying for an animal from a breeder would face a maximum $250 penalty per animal purchased.
"Responsible" breeders still would be able to sell directly to customers within the city limits.
'Dumped, abandoned'
In 2023, Pennsylvania was recorded to have eight puppy mills, according to The Human Society of the United States’ “The Horrible Hundred” list.
Hal Warner, president of the Lehigh Valley Humane Society, said this ordinance could promote collaborations between individual stores and local rescue operations.
City pet stores would be allowed to provide space for the adoption of rescued and sheltered animals but wouldn't be allowed to receive payment, the ordinance reads.
“Banning pet stores from selling designer dogs will encourage residents to adopt from the shelters that are at capacity right now,” Warner said. “It’s a good first step in solving the animal welfare crisis and will help prevent shelters from euthanizing any animal simply for kennel space.”
He said animal shelters nationwide in 2023 took in 245,000 more pets in need than in 2022.
LVHS even brought in 600 more pets in 2023 than the previous year, also rescuing almost 100 dogs, Warner added.
“Banning pet stores from selling designer dogs will encourage residents to adopt from the shelters that are at capacity right now."Lehigh Valley Humane Society President Hal Warner
Pam Brady, a Bethlehem resident, said she’s recently retired and all her extra energy goes into supporting local animals in need. She said she currently owns and fosters kittens.
“We’re seeing animals dumped, abandoned, and we need to find homes for the ones that are here now and exist,” Brady said. “We cannot just keep allowing people to reproduce animals for financial gain and not take care of the animals that are with us.”
“Animals bred in puppy mills endure unimaginable suffering, living in confined spaces with inadequate sanitation, nutrition, and socialization,” said Sheryl Petrillo, president of Animal Defenders Greater Lehigh Valley. “This blatant disregard for their well-being is unacceptable and must be halted.”
Petrillo said banning these practices in the city would cut down on the spread of infectious diseases that risk the health of not only the animals but humans, too.
From there, she said a “yes” vote to the ordinance also would stop “predatory lending practices” sometimes associated with high-dollar breeds, as well as encourage prospective owners to adopt from local shelters.
“If you do enact this ordinance … you will send a clear message that cruelty against animals is not welcome into your community, that you will protect your community members and consumers, and promote adoption as the kindest, most compassionate option for adding a furry, scaly or feathered friend to your family,” Petrillo said.
Other nearby municipalities have adopted similar ordinances, including Allentown, Easton, and Forks Township, but also beyond in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Bellevue, Sharpsburg, and Wilkinsburg, according to Petrillo.
'A more humane environment in our city'
“I believe it’s in the best interest to adopt reasonable regulations to help prevent inhumane breeding conditions, promote community awareness of animal welfare, and foster a more humane environment in our city,” Council Vice President Grace Crampsie Smith said.
Police Chief Michelle Kott said both she and the city’s animal control officer support the new ordinance. The city has ample enforcement resources and state partners in Harrisburg, Kott added.
“There are plenty of people who can’t adopt and they do need a specific type of dog, so having this carved out for responsible breeders is a big thing,” councilwoman and committee chair Rachel Leon said.
“I believe it’s in the best interest to adopt reasonable regulations to help prevent inhumane breeding conditions, promote community awareness of animal welfare and foster a more humane environment in our city."Council Vice President Grace Crampsie Smith
Councilwoman Hillary Kwiatek said she wondered about any potential loopholes within the subtleties of the ordinance’s language.
Warner answered, saying a future goal after getting the discussed ordinance passed would be to crack down further on the smaller rescue operations that obtain nonprofit status and bring in designer dogs “taking the place of pet stores.”
Before the council vote later that evening, councilwoman Kiera Wilhelm shared her thoughts as a dog owner of 16 years.
“The factory-style churning of animals is not only cruel, it’s not needed,” Wilhelm said. “There are plenty of adoptable pets without large-scale breeding.
“So I’ll be pleased to support an ordinance that helps Bethlehem take a stand against this practice."
