Cape Coral new ordinance cracks down on retail sales of pets

Cape Coral City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that will ban any future retail sales of pets. But, an unexpected amendment introduced Monday evening allows the one existing retail shop in Cape Coral to continue its sales.

“The important thing is this did pass and there will be no other retail operations that sell dogs or cats,” said Michelle Davis, of the Humane Society of the United States.

“I was hoping to continue with our current business model,” said Shane Reinhardt, of Patriot Pets, “which we are going to be able to do.”

One of the concerns community members had at the meeting was that retail pet stores might get their dogs from puppy mills. That was brought up by one person at the council meeting Monday, who alleged Patriot Pets did that.

The owner said if they did that, it was by accident and they have things in place that prevent that now.

After hours of emotion and passion at the public hearing, both sides said they found something that is often unheard of in fiery debates these days.

Joan Capobianco, a pet owner, said it was a good compromise.

“It definitely was a compromise,” Davis said.

“We reached that middle ground,” Reinhardt said, “in the middle.”

While Patriot Pets will continue its sales, it is likely a partnership that comes from this big decision.

“I talked to Cape Coral Animal Shelter,” Reinhardt said. “I’m hoping once they get the ball rolling, we can bring in some senior dogs and do some adoption events with them.”