FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved modifications to the county’s Animal Control Ordinance that prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits by the county’s pet shops.

The vote came during a public hearing at Thursday’s regular meeting and was applauded by Debra Berger, the State Director for the US Humane Society.

Pet shops may not sell, advertise for sale, exchange, adopt or barter these animals. County Attorney Ken Jarrard pointed out, however, there is nothing in the ordinance prevents pet shops from offering safe and appropriate care for cats and dogs owned by rescue organizations or  animal control facilities.”

If a pet shop does provide such a service, there must be a notification placed in a conspicuous location on the cage or enclosure of the animal, stating the name of the animal’s owner.

Also prohibited by the ordinance is the sale, exchange, trade, barter, lease, or roadside display for commercial purposes any dog, cat or domestic rabbit.

The amended ordinance does not apply to display of dogs, cats, domestic rabbits by an animal shelter or rescue organization.

Berger said the Boards approval of the modified ordinance will stem the flow of “puppy mill” dogs in Georgia. “Every year our organization collects thousands of public documents and consumer complaints showing that most puppy-selling pet stores value profit over animal welfare,” she said.