At ARISTOPET, we like to highlight all the measures that help guarantee the well-being of our beloved ARISTOPETS. That is why, on this occasion, we want to talk to you about the latest measure adopted in Miami (Florida, USA). It is a measure that pleasantly surprises us and shows that Miami is much more than the frivolous city traditionally portrayed to us. Today, Miami is an evolved city when it comes to issues requiring special sensitivity, such as responsible pet ownership. We believe it is an excellent example to follow, which is why we want to share it.
From now on, the only ARISTODOG and ARISTOCAT sales permitted will be those of animals from shelters and regulated local breeders that have a certificate of origin.
This measure, adopted by the municipal authorities, received an overwhelming majority (four votes in favor and one against). Before the ordinance was put to a vote, a public hearing was held at which animal advocates and pet-store advocates were able to present their views. The animal advocates clearly won. Thus, this result puts the city's pet stores in the position of having to modernize or close down. The establishments will have one year to change suppliers, in accordance with the requirements of the new ordinance.
Miami's ordinance was promoted by Commissioner Ken Russell. Russell leads by example, since he has four pets, all of which are adopted. According to his Twitter account, Russell says that «we cannot control the supply, but we can control the demand». His goal is to reduce to 0 the number of homeless animals that, sadly, are forced to be euthanized. As we never tire of repeating, this figure is shocking worldwide.
Miami had already had a measure in force for several months along the same lines, although it was less drastic than the current one. Nevertheless, it reduced the number of pet stores in the city from nine to two in six months, according to the English-language newspaper Miami Herald. Therefore, the results are expected to be even more favorable with this new ordinance.
Miami thus joins a long list of cities in the United States that have adopted measures against the mass production of animals as a business and to encourage the adoption of abandoned pets. In fact, in Florida alone, around fifty cities have already adopted this measure. Most of them are in the same county as Miami or are neighboring cities, according to the list published by Best Friends Animal Society, an organization that aims to achieve a United States without homeless pets.
There is still much to be done when it comes to defending and respecting animals, but examples like this inspire us. Just as they did recently in the Netherlands, where they introduced the license for owners of so-called «potentially dangerous dogs». Or our Portuguese friends, where a long-awaited legislative change took place a few months ago, modifying the legal status of animals, which are now considered «living beings» rather than «things».
Let's keep it up and, together, we will soon succeed in changing the world for our best friends.