The New Braunfels City Council is considering an ordinance revision to make the sales or donations of kittens or puppies within the city illegal.
The changes to the ordinance prohibit selling, trading, leasing, renting or giving away any live animal on any roadside, public right of way or commercial or private parking lot or on the premises of any licensed food service establishment in New Braunfels.
The measure was first considered during a reading by the City Council on Monday night, and could become official after the councils next regular meeting that is slated for May 22.
In New Braunfels, its common to see a family with an unwanted litter in a cardboard box and a sign advertising free animals. But if the new ordinance passes, doing so could become a Class C misdemeanor.
City Health Department Head Joe Lara said the idea for a reform came from residents complaints about the practice.
In some cases, pet vendors have created a safety hazard by setting up shop too close to the street, Lara said. Also, people who sell or give away puppies and kittens on the roadside may not follow the same vaccination guidelines as animal shelters or pet shops.
Lara said the ordinance, if approved, would help stop unvaccinated pets from going out into the community.
Posted: May 9, 2006, 5:00 a.m. EST