HomeMy WebLinkAboutBrenna Anderst Pasados Safe Haven 8.18.21
Pasado’s Safe Haven | P.O. Box 171, Sultan, WA 98294 | p. 360-793-9393 | EIN#91-1843707
August 18, 2021
Renton City Council and Planning Commission
Renton City Hall
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057
Dear City Council and Planning Commission Members:
I am writing on behalf of Pasado’s Safe Haven in relation to D-194, to express our support for a policy prohibiting the retail
sales of dogs in the City of Renton.
Pasado’s Safe Haven has been a leader in fighting animal cruelty in Washington State for 25 years. Every year, we
investigate or provide resources for over 200 cases for animal cruelty and neglect. Many of these cases involve unethical
breeding facilities, otherwise known as puppy mills.
But sadly, puppy mills are being enabled every day because puppy-selling pet stores, like what can be found in Renton,
continue to purchase animals from these inhumane breeding operations – most of them from out of state - and sell them
to an unsuspecting public.
Puppy-selling pet stores often tout to customers that their puppies come from USDA licensed breeding operations. While
this may be technically true, the reality is that a USDA license does nothing to ensure that the entity is humane. USDA
regulations are shockingly inadequate, allowing dogs to be confined in cages only 6 inches larger than their bodies for
their entire lives, denied adequate exercise and socialization, and given no regular veterinary care beyond an annual
walk-through.
An ordinance prohibiting the retail sales of dogs in the City of Renton would not only help stop the harmful funnel of
innocent animals being sold in pet stores from puppy mills it would also help promote animal adoptions from humane
societies and rescues. In addition, it would not impact the business of reputable breeders.
During the 2021 session, the Washington state legislature took a first step in addressing this issue by passing HB 1424,
prohibiting any new puppy-selling pet stores from opening and ensuring that this problem would not get any worse in our
state. In addition, six local jurisdictions in Washington have already adopted similar policies, including Kitsap County,
Olympia, Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Gig Harbor.
We hope that the Renton City Council and Planning Commission will consider taking this proactive step that will prevent
unnecessary suffering while also protecting consumers and supporting local animal shelters.
Thank you for your time. Please do not hesitate to let me know if we can provide any additional information.
Sincerely,
Brenna Anderst
Education & Advocacy Director
Pasado’s Safe Haven