Woonsocket council approves ban on retail sale of dogs and cats; industry groups and rescuers weigh in

The Woonsocket City Council on Dec. 15, 2025 approved ordinance 25O64, amending the city code to prohibit the retail sale of live dogs and cats in pet stores and similar commercial establishments. The ordinance passed on second passage with a 7–0 roll call.

Supporters who spoke during public comment said the prohibition supports the local animal shelter, reduces impulse purchases that lead to shelter surrenders, and discourages commercial sourcing tied to large-scale puppy mills. Nicole Wabright of Woonsocket asked council members to back the ordinance as a step to protect animals and city resources; Kimberly Rose and other advocates described differences between reputable breeders and mass commercial suppliers and urged humane conditions.

A national advocacy network representative, Lisa Clemens of Washington, D.C., urged the council to vote no, saying many pet‑industry members are heavily regulated by state and federal agencies and that enforcement of existing animal‑welfare laws and strengthened inspections would be a better approach than an outright ban. Clemens said her organization represents retailers, breeders and distributors and asked the council to collaborate with businesses and regulators rather than adopt a local ban.

Council members did not record additional amendments during second passage; the motion to approve was made by Councilman Du Bois and seconded by Councilman Kenoyer, and the ordinance was approved 7–0.

The ordinance is intended to reduce demand for animals sourced from large commercial breeding operations and to bolster local shelter and adoption efforts; implementation details and timelines were not specified in the meeting record.