WeHo Becomes First U.S. City to Ban Animal Retail Sales

In a landmark move that builds on its reputation as a leader in animal welfare, the West Hollywood City Council voted unanimously this week to adopt what animal advocates are calling the most comprehensive retail animal sales ban in the country.

The new ordinance expands the city’s existing ban on the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores to now include birds, reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, fish, hermit crabs, and other small animals commonly trafficked in the exotic pet trade. The vote followed advocacy from local animal rights groups and national organizations including PETA.

“This ordinance strengthens West Hollywood’s commitment to protecting animals from exploitation and abuse,” said Mayor Chelsea Byers following the vote. “We’re proud to be setting an example for other cities across the country.”

A Broader Ban, A Bigger Impact

The expanded ban targets the often-hidden side of the pet trade industry, which critics say profits from the suffering of animals sold in retail stores.

According to PETA, birds in particular face widespread abuse in both legal and illegal markets. Many are smuggled into the U.S. after being captured in the wild, transported in suitcases or vehicle parts, and subjected to cruel treatment such as wing clipping, beak taping, and confinement in inhumane conditions. Even birds bred in captivity, the group says, endure extreme overcrowding and neglect.

Other animals, including fish, reptiles, and hermit crabs, are also subject to harmful practices during breeding, shipping, and storage. Past investigations by PETA have uncovered:

• Parakeets crammed into overcrowded cages

• Hermit crabs torn from their natural habitats and forced into painted, potentially toxic shells

• Betta fish kept in filthy water and left to die on pet store shelves

• Bearded dragons and hamsters warehoused in barren, unsanitary conditions

Shelters Overwhelmed with Small Animals

Animal shelters and rescue groups are also struggling to keep up with rising numbers of unwanted and abandoned small animals. In West Hollywood and beyond, organizations that once focused on cats and dogs now routinely house surrendered reptiles, birds, and rodents.

By removing the retail sales channel, advocates hope the new ordinance will reduce impulse purchases that often result in neglect or abandonment. Instead, residents are encouraged to adopt animals from shelters or reputable rescue groups.

West Hollywood’s Animal Welfare Legacy

This latest move adds to a growing list of progressive animal welfare policies in West Hollywood, which has previously:

• Banned fur sales

• Outlawed cat declawing

• Prohibited the use of glue traps

• Enforced strict standards for animal care

The city’s actions reflect a broader cultural shift toward recognizing animals as sentient beings rather than commodities.

PETA praised the decision in a statement, calling it “lifesaving” and urging other cities to follow West Hollywood’s lead.

“West Hollywood has taken a stand against an abusive industry that sees thinking, feeling beings as nothing more than commodities,” said PETA President Tracy Reiman. “This compassionate decision will spare countless animals from misery and suffering.”

A Call to Pet Retailers

PETA and other advocates are now calling on national chains like Petco to voluntarily end live animal sales, citing systemic abuse and overpopulation.

Until then, they urge consumers to boycott stores that sell live animals and support rescue and adoption efforts instead.

For more on West Hollywood’s animal welfare policies or to get involved with local advocacy, visit weho.org. To learn more about the issues surrounding the pet trade, visit peta.org.