WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — There were protests against Puppy Place on New Center Dr. in Wilmington on Sunday.
Protesters fear that the company is importing dogs for sale from puppy mills in other states. So-called “puppy mills” are known for their inhumane breeding practices.
Activists also point out that North Carolina second highest euthanasia rate in the country. At a meeting of the New Hanover County Commissioners on Monday morning, activist Bryan Michael urged the board to consider banning the sale of cats and dogs in the county.
“Regardless of whether they’re a puppy mill or not – which they are – regardless of whether they’re a puppy mill or not, we don’t need to bring more animals into North Carolina. We don’t need to bring more dogs into North Carolina,” Michael said.
Commissioner Dane Scalise said he hears the concerns of the public.
“I’m sure we could do more to protect the animals in New Hanover County. So we’re going to convene a committee to look closely at what’s in our ordinance, what we can possibly do to change it or improve it. We’re also going to listen to the citizens’ opinions,” Scalise said.
If the county were to ban commercial sales, it would join 400 other cities and counties and five states that ban the commercial sale of cats and dogs. A possible commercial ban would have no impact on local hobby breeders.
Some locals – including New Hanover County Humane Society director Nicole Talley – think a ban is a good idea.
“I mean, you get the same dog from the shelter that you would probably pay hundreds of dollars for at the pet store,” Talley noted.
Talley also points out the concerns about breeding puppies.
“You don’t know where these dogs really come from. You don’t know how they are bred or what conditions they live in, what diseases they might have, you just don’t know. So I don’t agree with that at all,” Talley said.
Michael was deeply touched by the reaction of the community and its leaders.
“It’s hard when you feel like you’re alone, when you’re fighting alone,” Michael said. “But it’s been really nice to see the community come together and see everyone really care about the issue.”
WWAY reached out to The Puppy Place but did not receive a response as of Monday evening.
