Pinellas County commissioners voted Tuesday to enact stricter regulations for retail pet stores. Why? Animal services handed out nearly 400 citations over the past year. The new rules will increase inspections and require better documentation of animal care practices.
The regulations include more unannounced permit inspections — from one to two per year. Stores must now display official certificates of veterinary inspections and pet lemon law information where customers can see them. Monthly sales records will be uploaded using computers, and transport lists must be submitted to authorities.
Deaths among puppies must be reported within three days. A necropsy is required if no veterinary care was provided before death. A seven-day permit suspension will be issued for any cruelty or neglect citation, with a follow-up visit within three business days…