The city of West Hollywood was expected to give final approval Tuesday to a law that will ban sales of cats and dogs at pet stores. The ordinance states that existing shops will be given time to come to terms with the new rule, and that the sale of “humanely bred, reared or sheltered animals” will be allowed.

“This ordinance represents an important step toward ridding our nation of the cruelty of puppy mills and other commercial assembly-line animal breeders,” states Councilman Jeffrey Prang. “The ordinance not only contributes to the fight against animal cruelty it also recognizes the enormous cost of pet overpopulation in our society, both fiscal and humanitarian impacts. I urge those seeking pet companionship to consider adoption from municipal shelters and other nonprofit rescue agencies.”

One aim of the law, which received unanimous initial approval by the West Hollywood City Council, is to drive “puppy mill” bred dogs out of town.

“The goal of the Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale of Dogs and Cats in Companion Animal Stores is to address the inhumane conditions endured by animals in the puppy mill industry,” reads a city statement. ” … Documented problems of puppy mills include over breeding, inbreeding, veterinary care that doesn't meet the same standards as other breeders, relatively poor quality of food and shelter, lack of human socialization and overcrowded cages.”