Wausau Committee Tables Ordinance Regarding Puppy Mills

Tuesday, September 20th, 2022 -- 10:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) An ordinance that would outlaw the sale of pets from so-called "mill" facilities in the city of Wausau was tabled by the public health and safety committee on Monday to allow for better clarification on what would and wouldn't be allowed.

Alder Doug Diny said he sees too many gray areas in the copy as written. "I understand the intent here, but we're also, potentially, not real tight here on maybe some unintended consequences."

Some on the committee said it made sense to let this proposal marinate, then bring it back for more discussion next month along with the renewal of a kennel license to make sure one isn't interfering with the other. "I'll move that we wait one more month on it and see what the other ordinance that comes out with it says."

Alder Lisa Rasmussen said she does think the ordinance is on the right track by allowing room for those who want to breed their own pets, but not allowing large-scale, commercial operations. "You have the same thing with people who breed show dogs and things. But the fact that this is confiend to a larger scale and large quantity, it does seem to make sense."

Mayor Katie Rosenberg says the city currently doesn't have any stores that sell pets, meaning they wouldn't be putting anyone out of business with the proposal. "We don't, so maybe that makes it easier to consider a regulation like this as it wouldn't be affecting a current business right now."

The ordinance would essentially ban the sale of pets from stores in Wausau, but would allow those stores to display adoptable pets from agencies such as the Humane Society of Marathon County or other breed-specific dog or cat rescues as long as the story doesn't profit from them.

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