Subject: Regulation of Licensed City of Windsor Pet Shops Report Reference: # 18201 dated Dec 19, 2019

The model of “don’t’ shop – adopt” is now the standard in many municipalities in Ontario. This model is being used across the country and internationally as well. We must address the growing population of unwanted rabbits, dogs and cats, and the need for accountable and reputable rescue and foster organizations.

Customers are becoming more educated on the unethical breeding practices that take place in our region and beyond, and are moving to the model of pet adoption rather than purchasing from a store. This helps bring down the demand for animals that are turned out of these breeding facilities/puppy mills.

The Michigan Humane Society states, “Bottom Line: When pets are sold for profit and financial gain becomes the primary motivation, the animals’ health becomes secondary.” This has been backed up by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s position on small volume and commercial dog, cat and rabbit breeding operations – they show substandard health, care and treatment to these animals.

In an informal survey I took at the beginning of 2019, I contacted 14 local dog and cat rescue organizations that take in unwanted pets. 8 of these were willing to discuss the approximate amount of animals that they successfully adopted out the prior year. This number was over 700 dogs and cats however, there were still a number in foster homes. This number does not include Windsor Humane Society or St. Claire College adoptions. We also currently have only one small animals rescue, who at the time were turning down rabbit intake as they were overwhelmed with the small animals in their care.

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Kijiji have also taken a stance to help control the demand for animals sold for profit as they recognized the unethical practices. It has been policy for some time that no animal can be sold on Facebook. Kijiji asks for an adoption fee and screening to ensure these animals are not falling prey to the wrong hands.

By selecting Option A from this report– with an amendment to include rabbits- Offered by Adoption Only means that pets at pet shops can be sourced from local reputable animal rescues and shelters and will be in line with other Ontario municipalities. As CBC News reported in December 2018, “In a bid to crack down on puppy mills, Chatham- Kent council has set in motion a legal move that will outlaw the sales of animals in pet stores.” Our next door neighbor has taken this into effect as well!

We respectfully point out to the Standing Committee and the City of Windsor Council members the necessity for the inclusion of rabbits into this bylaw update. Rabbits are included in current by-law updates in other municipalities and still others are now updating retail bylaws to include not only rabbits but guinea pigs. This pet animal grouping is noted to have a high “unwanted” rate, substandard breeding and care practices, which puts undue burden on the municipal humane society. Please allow this bylaw update to be current and responsive to the reality Windsor faces.

We thank you for your considerations on this topic. Windsor is to be commended as proactive in various animal initiatives and the improvements and evolving municipal bylaw changes are in keeping with this responsible reputation.

In summary, we recommend from the report# 18201 dated Dec 19, 2019 Option A with amendment to include rabbits so that rabbits, dogs and cats are Offered by Adoption Only.

Thank you,

Jayme Lauzon Windsor, Ontario Additional Information Environment Transportation & Public Safety Standing Committee Meeting April 29, 2020