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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 19, 2016 Page 7 Ms. Rojas stated she welcomed access and transparency in her store, and re- viewed her history from being in opposition to Petland to now owning the store, which had encouraged her to work to provide a bridge for both sides in working cooperatively whether as an animal rights activist or as a breeder. Ms. Rojas not- ed this had resulted in her business growing over the last two years from 7 em- ployees to 34. Ms. Smith agreed, noting that all pet stores were unique and personalities of their owners also unique, but all facing the same daily challenges. Ms. Smith cau- tioned that, while not familiar with Mr. Papineau of Har Mar Pet Store, the deci- sions made by the Roseville City Council were far reaching for these small busi- ness owners, their employees, customers and their very livelihoods. Ms. Smith opined that the USDA standards were very minimal and every breeder should be able to comply with them and ensure customers that animals are being well cared for. Ms. Rojas noted that it was a full-time job caring for animals in this environment, and while the USDA wasn’t perfect, opined that the alternative with no checks and balances in place was not a good solution either. Ms. Smith and Ms. Rojas provided further comments on the longevity of pet stores; impact of internet trade for national and international sales of pets; im- provements to the breeding and inspection process; and changes in the industry to address breeding practices for physical and mental health of animals. Further comment included defining the actual goal of the model ordinance, differences in pet stores and rescue organizations and assurances to purchases of an animal’s breeding depending on their source; and many variables of pets based on their personalities, temperaments and breeding. With the number of pet stores in the United States still selling puppies identified as fewer than 1,000, Ms. Rojas advised that there were 4,000 pet rescue organiza- tions. Ms. Rojas noted this was the only business of which she was aware that provided you could operate a legal business within the letter of the law, yet still you’re your ethics questioned if someone found fault with your business. Ms. Ro- jas suggested everyone work together – the USDA and pet store owners – to up- date the current Animal Welfare Act. Ms. Smith and Ms. Rojas addressed additional comments related to other cities having initially passed an ordinance similar to the model provided, and subse- quently rejecting them (e.g. Phoenix, AZ); USDA inspections related to “puppy mills;” unlicensed or unregulated breeders as an alternative to USDA self- reporting; and relations of pet store owners and level of trust with their pet breed- ers.