Chicago aldermen on Tuesday voted 49-1 to ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits from "puppy mills" at city pet stores.
City Clerk Susana Mendoza, who supported the measure, said Chicago will now be a "national leader in humane laws" for pets.
"It cuts off a pipeline of the animals coming from the horrendous puppy mill industry and instead moves us towards a retail pet sales model that focuses on adopting out the many, many homeless animals in need of loving homes in this city," Mendoza said.
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) said that while he originally supported the proposal he voted no because he believes it will just push the problem to the suburbs and he thinks there needs to be a statewide solution.
Other states have considered banning "puppy mills."
Proponents of a proposed ban in Connecticut claim mills sell sick animals to pet shops around the state, leaving pet owners with hefty veterinary bills.
In August Gov. Pat Quinn signed a so-called "puppy lemon law" to protect those who buy a dog or cat and then learn the animal is seriously ill.
Quinn said the law "is all about protecting our pets and protecting our families who love their pets."
