Aliso Viejo Bans Retail Puppy Sales

Aliso Viejo banned the retail sale of dogs and cats during Wednesday’s City Council meeting.

Before the council vote, 11 members of the community voiced their approval of the ordinance. Many of them thanked the council for their courage and forward thinking on the topic.

One resident opposed the measure, saying it was an unfair restriction to those who wish to own purebred pets, adding that home breeders often have ridiculous standards and not all commercial breeders mistreat the animals.

Councilwoman Carmen Cave, who owns two rescue dogs and works in animal services in Menifee, addressed the crowd before the vote. She said she has seen too many cases of people who treat their animals as “property or less” and until that changes she supports this ordinance.

“I’ve seen too much. We as a species treat other animals terribly,” she said. “We have a rule in our house that those with opposable thumbs eat first.”

OTHER CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS

— Graduates of the city’s free 8-week Community Emergency Preparedness Academy were recognized for their commitment to the program and willingness to help their neighbors in an emergency.

The group was presented with a certificate, commemorative 10-year anniversary coin and a Red Cross Emergency Kit.

— Don Juan Avila Middle School’s Destination Imagination team was approved for a $1,000 grant to cover travel expenses for the Global Finals in Tennessee.

— Mayor Donald Garcia was authorized to execute an agreement between the City of Aliso Viejo and the County of Orange for law enforcement services. Law Enforcement currently accounts for 46 percent of the city’s general plan budget.