Several approaches to potentially limiting how pet stores source animals for sale were reviewed Feb. 10 during the city’s annual winter work session. The group also looked at proposed state legislation and ordinances from other cities. Frisco allows the retail sale of pets and does not regulate animal sourcing, according to city staff.
House Bill 1818, which was introduced by state Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, in the 87th regular session last year, was the first approach considered by council members.
The bill would have prohibited retail pet stores in Texas from selling dogs and cats not sourced from animal control agencies, an animal shelter or an animal rescue organization, according to a presentation from city staff. HB 1818 passed in both the House and Senate but was never signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, according to the Texas Legislature website.
Other options reviewed included a draft ordinance from Dallas, which would prohibit pet stores from selling dogs and cats altogether if passed. An ordinance adopted by The Colony in January 2020 was also reviewed. It prohibits pet stores in all zoning districts.
Frisco City Council Member Shona Huffman led much of the discussion in favor of a new ordinance. Huffman said she feared Frisco might become a hotspot for businesses that source animals from so-called “puppy mills.”
Huffman said what was proposed in HB 1818 would be “the minimum” for her, and that a grandfather clause should be included to allow local businesses “to do the right thing and still run their business.”
“My belief is that it’s time to move forward on this,” Huffman said. “We could be setting the pace on what we think is the right thing to do. It may be hard. It may be difficult ... but I just think it’s time.”
Mayor Jeff Cheney asked Police Chief David Shilson how the city would enforce HB 1818 if it were passed. Shilson described a possibly difficult process of verifying the origin of animals for sale, such as if a store claimed to source an animal from a faraway rescue facility.
“It would be a resource-intensive enforcement,” Shilson said.
Cheney said he expects HB 1818 to pass in the next legislative session in 2023. However, he noted that businesses such as Petland on Preston Road should be present before any action by the city is taken.
The police department's animal services division reported during the winter work session that Petland sold 2,032 dogs in 2021. Three citations were issued to the store, two for not posting animal origin on kennels and one for veterinary written orders not on hand.
Animal services also reported receiving four calls regarding possible sick puppies, but said “none of these complaints were founded.”
The mayor recommended that the city reach out to Petland to potentially host the business in a future work session.
“I don't think any conversation or decision should be made without at least giving the business owner an opportunity to respond to questions and criticisms and feedback,” Cheney said. “No decisions need to be made on this today.”
