Council backs ban on retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits by pet shops

Denver City Council placed Council Bill 25-12-41 on consent and approved it as part of the consent block on Sept. 15, adopting a ban on the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits by pet shops while explicitly preserving adoption events run by shelters and rescues.

Sponsor remarks: Councilmember Hines, the bill sponsor, framed the ordinance as an effort to stop predatory pet‑sales practices and animal suffering. "Council bill 25‑12‑41... prohibits the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops while still allowing adoption events with shelters and rescues with clear signage," Hines said. She cited public‑health concerns and national advocates noting disease outbreaks linked to retail puppy supply chains and described the ordinance as focused on transparency and humane outcomes.

Scope and limits: Sponsors emphasized the ordinance does not apply to responsible breeders who sell directly to buyers (in person), nor does it prevent pet stores from hosting adoption events with rescues and shelters. The bill’s sponsor noted that similar laws exist in other Colorado cities, and that local pet‑services businesses (grooming, supplies, veterinary care) would be unaffected.

Vote and next steps: The ordinance was included on the consent agenda and passed as part of the consent block at the evening session; council members signaled support and the item moved forward for publication and implementation consistent with the city’s standard ordinance process.

Ending: Supporters said the ordinance is intended to reduce animal suffering and prevent misleading retail transactions without disrupting local adoption work or direct breeder sales.