LEXINGTON, Ky. – A national pet store chain, Petland, has initiated a lawsuit against the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government in a bid to block a city ordinance that prohibits the sale of cats and dogs by pet stores. The ordinance, which is set to take effect on November 1, aims to combat the operations of puppy mills and encourages local adoption through animal shelters.
Supporters of the ordinance argue that it addresses serious animal welfare issues. Todd Blevins, the Kentucky State Director for the Humane Society of the United States, referenced earlier discussions among the council members as evidence of the ordinance’s careful consideration. “I think it’s a real shame that Urban County Council gave the puppy selling pet stores a grace period, and the stores – at least, Petland – didn’t do anything at all with it,” Blevins remarked.
Petland’s 34-page civil complaint asserts that the ordinance is unconstitutional, claiming it unreasonably infringes on their contract rights and the viability of their Richmond Road location. Petland reports that puppy sales constitute 80% of their revenue, and without the ability to sell, they face closure of the Lexington store that opened in 2021.
Blevins counters that other recent ordinances in different cities have been manageable for Petland stores, suggesting that adaptation is possible. “There have been Petlands in other cities that have passed these kinds of ordinances, and in several cases, those stores have adapted,” he noted.
The lawsuit also accuses Blevins and the Humane Society of having “privileged access” to the Urban County Council during the deliberation process, a claim that Blevins has denied. He emphasized the importance of local animal shelters, expressing concern over how the lawsuit might negatively impact their efforts to find homes for animals.
In a statement, Elizabeth Kunzelman, Petland’s Vice President of Legislative and Public Affairs, expressed frustration with the city council’s approach. “A ban should never be the first option. There are a multitude of solutions available that discourage puppy mills without shutting down legal businesses,” Kunzelman stated. She also mentioned that their efforts to offer alternative solutions were dismissed.
Despite the lawsuit, the city government has refrained from commenting, citing the ongoing legal matter. In a similar situation in Louisville, a judge issued an injunction allowing a pet store to continue selling animals while their case progresses.
This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions between pet retailers and animal welfare advocates, reflecting broader national debates on animal sales practices and responsible breeding.
