Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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A Minnesota city is banning the sale of dogs and cats at local pet stores.

The Roseville City Council adopted the ban Monday following a citizen-led movement to end the practice, which has been criticized by animal rights advocates who say keeping the animals in cages is harmful.

Minnesota state director Christine Coughlin of the Humane Society of the United States 

 that most quality breeders sell directly to families. She says responsible breeders don't sell to pet stores.

Coughlin says cities around the country are adopting similar local laws, but Roseville may be the first in Minnesota to do so. The new ordinance is expected to take effect after publication and a waiting period, probably about mid September.

Roseville's Har Mar Pet Shop drew unwanted attention last June when a USDA inspection report came to light in a City Pages story, talking about sores and ailments among the dogs, hamsters and gerbils. 

Subsequent records indicated the veterinary issues had been addressed. But the incident prompted public concern about the welfare of the store's animals.

Gary Papineau, whose family has owned the store for nearly 30 years, said he's confident in his dog and cat suppliers and disappointed by the Roseville ban.

He said he received many calls of support on Tuesday, "people calling up  telling me the Roseville City Council made a mistake."

MPR News reporter Tim Nelson contributed to this report.

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The City Council adopted the ban Monday following a citizen-led movement to end the practice, which has been criticized by animal rights advocates who say keeping the animals in cages is harmful.

Roseville bans sale of dogs, cats at pet stores

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