Palm Beach County bans dog, cat sales at new pet stores

w pet stores in Palm Beach County will no longer be able to sell dogs or cats as part of an effort to crack down on substandard breeders known as puppy mills.  Commissioners approved the measure despite concerns from animal advocates. They argued it doesn't go far enough to cut off demand for puppies and kittens from commercial breeders who may put profits ahead of animal welfare. Existing stores could continue to sell puppies and kittens provided they are purchased from a licensed breeder that meets U.S. Department of Agriculture standards. Eight pet stores in Palm Beach County sell dogs or cats, according to Animal Care and Control. David Torgerson, a Delray Beach animal advocate, said grandfathering in pet stores will allow stores to keep selling animals from commercial breeders that he thinks don't do enough to care for breeding dogs and cats.