Proposal to Ban SF Pet Sales Moves Forward

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (AP)- After several hours of hearings, San Francisco officials have tabled a measure that would have banned the sale of pets, except fish, throughout the city.

During the hearings that began Thursday evening and ran into the night, supporters of the ban said animal shelters are overrun by people who buy hamsters, parrots, snakes and other animals from pet stores on impulse, then regret the purchase.

Under the proposal, San Francisco residents would have had to go outside the city to purchase pets.

Pet store owners argued against the measure, telling the city's Commission of Animal Control and Welfare that it would put them out of business.