CC_Minutes_2016_0919 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 19, 2016 Page 6 Ms. Coughlin advised that the HSA has a spreadsheet available listing 2015 facili- ties supplying puppies to that particular pet store in Iowa referenced, and offered to provide that information to the City Council at their request. Councilmember McGehee asked if the HSA had available any model ordinance language for amphibians as well. Ms. Coughlin clarified that the model ordinance they were recommending to the City would deal only with puppies, dogs and kittens, as did the Eastpointe, Michi- gan model, even though the City Council could expand it at their discretion. Ms. Coughlin advised that the HSA’s rationale in limiting the ordinance to dogs and cats, was based on their research and investigations providing a link and strong grounds for court challenges to-date. Councilmember McGehee asked if there was similar activity regulating the activi- ty for importation of exotic species of birds and addressing their breeding. Ms. Coughlin advised that she could provide additional information on that if so desired; however, she noted that this was not her area of expertise, even though their import and longevity was also of grave concern to the HSA. Public Comment Kristin Smith, Pet Store Owner in Blaine, MN Ms. Smith advised that Har Mar Pet Store was her biggest competitor; and stated her reason for speaking tonight was that any decision made by the Roseville City Council could not only affect its community facilities, but also the three other stores in the State of MN that were selling puppies, hers included. Ms. Smith provided her perception of the situation at the Har Mar Pet Store, ad- dressing various ailments observed by the USDA inspector addressed in the news article. Ms. Smith noted these were typical ailments and could result even if and when dogs – or other similar animals – were being well-cared for. Ms. Smith noted that when a USDA inspector comes in, they did a snapshot inspection on that particular day, and was always an unannounced visit Vanessa Rojas, St. Paul Petland Store Owner Ms. Rojas noted some ailments could also be a result of stress for the pet. Ms. Smith and Ms. Rojas provided their perspective on pet store operations and situations, and answered questions of the City Council as applicable. At the request of Councilmember Willmus, Ms. Smith advised that not all USDA inspectors were veterinarians.