Bill banning roadside sales of dogs and cats moves forward

Other animals, such as chickens and ferrets, are not included

Baton Rouge -- Owners of dogs and cats should be barred from selling their critters from roadside stands and other public places, the House said Thursday. Lawmakers restored House Bill 231 by Rep. Tony Ligi, R-Metairie, to its original language before passing the measure 64-23. The bill now heads to the Senate for more debate.

Rep. Tony Ligi, R-Metairie

As the bill arrived in the House, it had been amended to prohibit the public sale or donation of all animals, from chickens and pigs to snakes and ferrets. Rep. Nick Lorusso, R-New Orleans, offered an amendment on the floor that reinstated the ban to apply just to cats and dogs.

"Why not frogs and gerbils?" asked Rep. Roy Burrell, D-Shreveport. "I have seen chickens and hogs sold on the sides of roads. Why are we discriminating against these animals?"

"This bill is aimed at eliminating overpopulation of dogs and cats," Lorusso said. Ligi added, "Pet overpopulation is something we pay for as taxpayers."

Ligi said that "no reputable (dog or cat) breeder sells on the side of the road. It is a matter of public health."

The bill would prohibit anyone from selling or giving away dogs and cats in public places such as roadsides, flea markets, "commercial or retail parking lots," and public parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and recreational areas.

The bill would not bar anyone from selling or giving away dogs and cats from their homes, at humane societies and animal welfare outlets, public pet adoption programs, at competitive dog or cat shows, pet stores and from licensed breeders, and at raffles that are fundraisers for conservation organizations.

A first offense could result in a maximum fine of $250. Subsequent violations could mean a maximum fine of $1,000.

Ligi was less successful with his House Bill 163 before the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and Rural Development. That bill would have regulated dog breeders to make them comply with certain standards, such as requiring clean food and water and room to exercise for the animals.

The bill also would have banned dogs from being placed in stacked cages or in facilities with wire flooring.

Some committee members said they had been contacted by dog breeders who asked them to oppose the bill. "I don't want to penalize the good breeders for the puppy mills," said Rep. Major Thibaut, D-New Roads.

Ligi withdrew the bill after receiving negative comments from some of the other panel members.

Ed Anderson can be reached at eanderson@timespicayune.com or 225.342.5810.