Dallas City Council has voted to ban the retail sale of dogs and cats.

Council approved the ordinance unanimously, though Council Member Tennnell Atkins was absent from the May 11 meeting at 1500 Marilla St. The ban will take effect in six months, according to the ordinance.

A total of 28 individuals registered to speak ahead of the vote. Employees of the Dallas Petland on Preston Road said their animals are only sourced from licensed and U.S. Department of Agriculure-inspected breeders. Those speaking in favor of the ban denounced so-called “puppy mills” that they said propagate animals in poor health.

Jay Suk, the owner of the Dallas Petland on Preston Road, said his business will have to close due to the ordinance.

“I understand that the purpose is to stop puppy mills. No one should buy from puppy mills,” Suk said. “By closing my store, more people will buy from the unregulated breeders who sell at flea markets and on Craigslist.”


Among the speakers in favor of the ban was Tommy Habeeb, the host of reality TV show “To The Rescue.” The show “follows the story of what it takes to rescue dogs from precarious and dangerous situations,” according to the “To The Rescue” website.

“We have to put our foot down today to make a difference in this horrific problem,” Habeeb said. “Let [stores] sell rescues. We have millions of rescues of every breed that need help.”

Petland is located in District 13 of Dallas, which is served by Council Member Gay Donnell Willis.

Willis said a ban of this nature is not new and that cities across the state and nation are approving similar ordinances. The retail sale of pets has faced similar scrutiny in Frisco, where the city is also considering stricter rules.


Willis encouraged Dallas residents seeking pets to adopt from city shelters or reputable breeders.

“While Dallas is a place for businesses to thrive, ... we must also be mindful of trends and practices around this issue,” Willis said.