Radnor, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia, has proposed a ban on retail sales of fish, along with mammals, birds, and reptiles. This ban is part of a larger push by animal rights groups in Pennsylvania to eliminate pet shops and pet ownership in the state. The ban on retail sales of fish came as an amendment to an existing proposed ordinance to ban retail sales of dogs and cats, which was then amended to include all mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. The proposal would amend Chapter 115 of the Township of Radnor, PA Code to prohibit the retail sale of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. The proposed ordinance unanimously passed first reading at the Board of Commissioners meeting on April 27th. The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held May 11th.
Meeting Monday, May 11, at 6:30 pm. Radnorshire Room, 301 Iven Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087
Board of Commissioners phone numbers are listed at:
https://www.radnor.com/government/boards-and-commissions/board-of-commissioners
Emails can be submitted through the Township email portal at the bottom of the page:
https://www.radnor.com/government/boards-and-commissions/board-of-commissioners
Sample Letter (Please be civil and professional!)
Subject Line: NO to aquarium fish and pet sales ban
Dear Board of Commissioners,
I am an aquarium hobbyist deeply concerned about the proposal to ban retail sales of aquarium fish and other pets in Radnor Township. Fishkeeping is a hobby with many benefits and laws such as the one currently proposed limit choices and make finding the right pet more difficult. Banning retail sales of pets hurts small businesses and hampers economic opportunities. Because retail pet stores are highly visible to the public and regulated and inspected by several agencies, retail pet sales bans force consumers to obtain their animals from less regulated and less transparent sources. This can lead to worse outcomes for consumers and reduced animal welfare and sustainability. Please vote no on the proposed ban on retail sales of aquarium fish and other pets in Radnor Township.
