PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Pinellas County commissioners voted to approve new rules to help keep a closer eye on pet retail stores. The changes come after a pet store was shut down in July when investigators found a dead puppy and more than 170 puppies in unsanitary conditions.
County leaders have been working on an ordinance for the last two years. What happened in July was all the more reason to get this done. County animal services said this ordinance passing is a win. County commissioners struggled with approving the rules. Pet store owners said it’s been hard enough, but they are ready to comply.
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The rules include: An increase from one unannounced permit inspection to two. They will require vet care, disaster plans, and sanitation. Each kennel must display the Certificate of Vet Inspection. Puppy deaths must be reported within three days. Enforcement for cruelty or neglect of violations is a seven-day suspension, with an officer following up in three days.
“This ordinance is there for consumer protection. It’s there to protect the animals,” said Jennifer Renner, the Director of Pinellas County Animal Services…