W. Hollywood Bans Pet Sales

The animal-rights trailblazers on West Hollywood's City Council have passed an ordinance banning pet shops from selling cats and dogs. No stores in the city currently sell the animals, but council leaders hope the move will set an example to other cities and help put "puppy mills" and "kitten factories" out of business, the Los Angeles Times reports.

"The ordinance not only contributes to the fight against animal cruelty it also recognizes the enormous cost of pet overpopulation in our society," Councilman Jeffrey Prang said in a statement. "I urge those seeking pet companionship to consider adoption from municipal shelters and other nonprofit rescue agencies." Pet shops will be allowed to offer animals from shelters after the law takes effect later this year.
(More West Hollywood stories.)