CC_Minutes_2016_0919 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 19, 2016 Page 9 abandoned her litter causing their demise, and while he had cleaned out the ken- nels, this baby hedgehog, about the size of a nickel, had been unfortunately missed by him. Mr. Papineau stated that he inspected all kennels from whom he purchased, and had found no health concerns to-date. Mr. Papineau noted it was not unusual for him to take animals from his store to the veterinarian 4-5 times per day; and noted that his store was staffed by 3 full-time and 7 part-time employees. Mr. Papineau opined that as a taxpayer of various taxing agencies, his business also provided a benefit to the city, as well as bringing customers from around the metropolitan ar- ea, not just Roseville. While the other three stores mentioned performed pet rescues, Mr. Papineau opined everyone should choose their option, further opining that the industry market would weed out those pet stores not performing well. Mr. Papineau stated he loved the animals at his store, and asked that the City Council not single out a pet shop, but adopt any legislation or ordinance equally, and also address rescue pets as well. Mr. Papineau stated he was not opposed to inspection of his busi- ness, but asked that he not be required to change his business model. Council Positions / Direction to Staff Councilmember Willmus stated he remained interested in looking at some con- trols and noted the interesting perspective provided by Owen Bachhuber. While needing to look at this situation more closely, Councilmember Willmus expressed interest in continuing the conversation; stating his personal preference to move away from the sale of kittens and puppies in pet shops and consider a nationwide model for pet adoption. Councilmember Laliberte noted the considerable amount of information provided tonight that will helpful going forward in assessing the issue. Councilmember Laliberte stated she was also looking at more controls, from various perspectives, including whether the city considered the USDA criteria was adequate or met ob- jectives, or if state regulations were sufficient. Councilmember Laliberte noted the city was not set up to provide pet store inspections, causing her to struggle go- ing down that road. Councilmember Laliberte spoke in support of the adoption model at this point. Councilmember McGehee stated she came in to tonight’s meeting strongly lean- ing in the direction of the adoption model, but noted the education she’d received about USDA rules and pet housing environments. Councilmember McGehee stated she understood being a breeder of exotic animals was an improvement over purchasing pets on the Internet or having them poached and brought in illegally, but agreed it was a complicated decision. Having heard Mr. Papineau’s testimony on some of the perceived violations, Councilmember McGehee stated she’d like more time to consider this issue. Councilmember McGehee agreed with her col-