Mayor Says He's Against Banning Pet Sales in Santee

Read about a local pet store protest

The Mayor of Santee replied to a local pet store owner recently saying he's against further regulating or banning the sale of pets in Santee, as some other nearby cities have recently done.

The concept of banning retail pet sales gained traction regionally in July, when the city of San Diego banned the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores. Carlsbad enacted a similar ban in October (which was since repealed) and Oceanside's city council voted against a ban in September.

The San Diego law requires pet retailers to get specific animals from animal shelters, human societies and nonprofit rescue groups.

With many cities considering such bans, a local pet store owner reached out to Santee Mayor Randy Voepel and asked what he thought about such laws banning pet sales.

This email was sent to Mayor Voepel (with identifying details removed):

... As you may or may not know, certain animal rights groups are petitioning cities in California to ban the sale of puppies, kittens and rabbits in retail settings.

We chose Santee for our new location 3 1/2 years ago and have never been happier...The residents here have been very supportive and welcoming and we are looking forward to many, many more years.

We would love to hear how you feel about banning our family business from your city. The animal rights activists will be bringing this to you soon, if they have not already. We would love the opportunity to explain our side, all the current rules and regulations as well as answer any questions you may have.

These people are bullies. They will threaten and terrorize until they get their way. We believe the public should have the right to choose wether they adopt OR buy from a regulated, inspected, responsible pet dealer such as ourselves!

Response from the Mayor:

It has always been my personal choice, to support commerce, free-enterprise and opportunity.

I have always stood up to the one issue fanatics regarding most "one issues." If someone is offended by a particular commercial enterprise that is licensed and regulated, simply don't shop there.

I have always clashed with most of the left-wing "feel good" folks and probably always will.

To me, one persons "puppy mill" is probably another person's pedigree and registered pet.

Not for me to regulate.

Randy Voepel

The "common sense" Mayor, Santee, California

COMMENT: Do you think Santee should ban or further regulate the sale of dogs and cats?