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City Council Meeting Minutes February 1, 2022 17. Consider approval of Ordinance 2022-14, on the first of two readings, amending Chapter 6 of the San Marcos City Code concerning animals by amending and adding certain definitions in Section 6.001 and adding a new section 6.065 in order to regulate the sale of cats and dogs by pet stores; providing a savings clause; providing for the repeal of any conflicting provisions; and providing an effective date. A motion was made by Council Member Baker, seconded by Mayor Hughson, to approve Ordinance 2022-14, on the first of two readings. Stephanie Reyes, Interim City Manager, provided a brief introduction, she stated staff from animal services and legal department prepared the draft ordinance. The draft ordinance would ban the retail sale of dogs and cats unless those animal are sourced from an animal control agency, an animal shelter or an animal rescue organization. Mayor Pro Tem Scott asked if ordinance passes, will the ordinance close the PickAPet store? Mr. Cosentino stated if they provide other services that are not prohibited they will not be closed by this ordinance. Mr. Scott stated he doesn't think they sell large volumes of animals but local breeders will have an outlet that will allow them to sell animals. Mayor Hughson asked staff what happened with the concept of the owners of the store working with the animal shelter staff. Mr. Carr stated most pet stores want the cute puppies and leaves the shelter with the not so lucky adoptable dogs. Mr. Scott mentioned that we can help each other depleting the stock of animals and expressed concern with how the animal shelter staff questions the visitors. Mayor Hughson asked about the crowding occurring at the shelter and if someone else housed a number of them to get them adopted, will that help the shelter? Mr. Carr stated the larger dogs are hard to get adopted and small dogs are no problem for them to be housed. Mayor Hughson suggested to ask if the owners of the store are willing to advertise the larger dogs that are at the animal shelter. Mr. Carr stated yes, staff will reach out to the owners. Council Member Gleason would like to add in the ordinance that a licensed breeder is acceptable. Mr. Gleason expressed concern with the verbiage of "pet store" under definitions and doesn't want to see breeders sell outside of home. Council Member Baker asked staff if there was a follow up from citizens that had complaints from the Pick A Pet store. Mr. Carr stated staff has done several inspections and found that the store is good standing and the store is a City of San Marcos Page 18