Local N.J. Lawmakers Seek To Ban Sale Of Dogs And Cats In Pet Stores

MANASQUAN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The phrase "how much is that doggy in the window?" may not be heard for much longer if some local New Jersey lawmakers get their way.

An ordinance in the Manasquan Borough Council would ban the retail sale of dogs and cats at pet shops if it becomes law.

"We've heard several stories about people buying a puppy from a pet store. The puppies came from puppy mills. They had serious medical conditions or serious psychological conditions," Manasquan Borough Council President Edward Donovan told CBS 2's Vanessa Murdock on Wednesday.

Donovan said this ordinance would be a win-win for everyone involved.

"I think it's an ordinance that is going to protect the consumer and it's also going to make sure that puppies and kittens are bred in a humane manner," Donovan said.

Locals said they were on board with the ordinance as well.

"I think it's a terrific idea...it's just so unfortunate that people are profiting off this while other animals go without homes," Manasquan business owner Lou Davis told Murdock.

At B.C. Woof Pet Supply in Manasquan, owner Cathy Wolfe said she never has and never would sell pets.

"There's a lot of reasons not to and there are very good, reputable breeders out there that do look into health and the background of the pets that they are breeding and that's who you should go to. Or shelters and rescues," Wolfe told Murdock.

"We are always in favor of anything that will help stop puppy mills from breeding and selling dogs," Meghan Rehbin with the Monmouth SPCA told Murdock.

The Monmouth SPCA said it currently has about 500 animals looking for adoption.

The final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for Sept. 17.

If it becomes law, the sale of dogs and cats could result in a fine as high as $2,000 or as many as 90 days in jail.

There are currently no cats or dogs being sold in Manasquan pet shops.

Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below ...