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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 18, 2026 Council Minutes COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA May 18, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes The Common Council of the City of Jeffersonville, Indiana met for the Regular Meeting on May 18, 2026. Council Vice President Burns along with City Clerk Lisa Gill called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was open to the public in person as well as live streamed via the City Website using Zoom. INVOCATION: Led by Brian Walters PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: The roll call was conducted by City Clerk Lisa Gill and present in Council Chambers were Councilperson White, Council Vice President Burns, Councilperson Semones, Councilperson Anderson, Councilperson Webb, Councilperson Hawkins, Councilperson Snelling, Councilperson Stoner, and Council President Reed was absent. Let the record reflect that 8 Council Members were present in Council Chambers and 1 absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve the Minutes for Regular Proceedings on 5/4/2026, seconded by Councilperson Snelling; motion passed, 8-0. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Councilperson Stoner made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Councilperson Anderson; motion passed, 8-0. CLAIMS TO APPROVE: Civil City$ 1,314,257.25 Councilperson Snelling made a motion to approve the Civil City Claims, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0. Parks$ 106,172.97 Councilperson Semones made a motion to approve the Parks Claims, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; motion passed, 8-0. REPORT OF THE CLERK: City Clerk Lisa Gill informed the council that the Laserfiche upgrade process had begun and that she would have more information at the next meeting. She expressed hope that the upgrade would go smoothly and noted that if there were any interruptions, she would notify everyone so the information could be shared with the public. She also added that she had spoken with the administration, and they would post updates on the city's website, although they were hoping to avoid any disruptions. I REPORT OF THE YOUTH ADVISOR: Youth Advisor Daniel Walters provided an update on the project he is working on at the Jeffersonville Township Public Library. He explained that the project was currently in the final approval stages and invited anyone with questions or an interest in helping to reach out to him. Mr. Walters noted that the library's blessings box had been severely damaged and was rotting from the inside, making replacement necessary. He detailed that the new, stronger structure would include four-by-four supports and a 32- by-36-by-18-inch box.The box will be divided into two sections, with one side designated for hygiene items and the other for food donations. He further added that the project would count toward his Eagle Scout project. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Heather Metcalf 2026-OR-17 (PUBLIC HEARING) Ordinance of Additional Appropriation Vice President Burns introduced the next agenda item, Ordinance 2026-OR-17, adding that there would also be a public hearing. He reviewed the appropriations involving: General - Police -Overtime, LIT Economic Development Police -Other supplies, the LIT Public Safety - Police - Vehicle fund, and the Police Security Camera fund for the lease payment. City Clerk Lisa Gill informed the council that there had been no changes.Vice President Burns opened the public hearing at 6:04 pm, for anyone who wanted to speak for or against Ordinance 2026-OR-17. No one stepped forward to speak, Vice President Burns proceeded with closing the public hearing at 6:05 pm. Councilperson Snelling made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-OR-17 on the 3rd and final reading, seconded by Councilperson White; motion passed, 8-0. NEW BUSINESS: PUBLIC COMMENTS: None 1. Kristie Ashcraft/Samantha Chapman with Humane World 2026-OR-18 Ordinance Regulating Pet Shops Vice President Burns introduced the next item on the agenda before giving the floor to Kristie Ashcraft, Director of the Jeffersonville Animal Shelter. Ms. Ashcraft addressed the city council, explaining that the ordinance brought before them would be addressing pet shops. She further added that although Jeffersonville does not currently have any pet shops, the intent of the ordinance is to proactively establish expectations should anyone seek to open one in the future. Ms. Ashcraft then introduced Samantha Chapman, who was joining the meeting remotely. Ms. Ashcraft added that Ms. Chapman was associated with Human World and helped create the ordinances and that she would also be speaking before the council. Samantha Chapman, Indiana State Director for Humane World for Animals: "Yes, thank you so much, everyone.Thank you, Kristie, and honorable members of the Common Council. My name 4 is Samantha Chapman, and I'm the Indiana State Director for Humane World for Animals. I am really just grateful to you for considering this ordinance this evening. I wanted to give you some background on why this ordinance is so important and just where we've come and where we're going with pet stores and puppy mills in the state of Indiana. So, several years ago, the state of Illinois passed a law statewide that banned the retail sale of dogs and cats. So what we were seeing across the state, specifically in the region, Northwest Indiana, but other places as well, were these pet stores from Illinois essentially coming into the state of Indiana, and there was really not a whole lot that these communities could do except pass their own ordinance basically at the local level to prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats. Well, that really spread like wildfire,we passed 20 ordinances in two years.The Indiana General Assembly,well, actually, it was a pet store called Petland that came at the legislators basically and asked them to consider a preemption bill to stop the local ordinances that were targeting these retail sale bans.So what ended up happening was there was a law in 2023 that was proposed before the legislature that preempted local control of those 21 ordinances, and thankfully that year, we were able to stop the preemption bill. Unfortunately, in 2024, Petland and their lobbyists got really smart and basically dressed the law up as pet store regulations and better standards for animals that were living in pet stores being sold there and added some canine care certified standards as well. So with that law,essentially localities cannot pass a retail sales ban any longer, we were super disappointed that this happened. It was really frustrating for communities that really wanted to keep pet stores out because we all know that our shelters are overflowing.There is just so much need right now and really these pet stores, they come in and they sell dogs for very high prices and a lot of times they're sick. So that was really the tool that we had at the time and with the passing of the preemption bill, unfortunately that tool is no longer available.So what our legal team has come up with is really the ordinance that you see before you. It really creates an opportunity to crack down on some of the most egregious puppy-selling pet store practices.So I just wanted to go over quickly what some of those new standards would be within this ordinance and why those are important. First of all,the ordinance would require puppy-selling pet stores to disclose breeder and price information of each puppy on that enclosure.So just first some information,when you go into a puppy-selling pet store,often what happens is there's a cute puppy, but there's no pricing. You just go in and you see the puppy in the window and you might want to meet that puppy. Well,oftentimes they will put that puppy in your lap and then the pricing and the financing comes later. So that's why it's really important to have the breeder and price information on that kennel card.Additionally, as I mentioned, disclosing the puppy financing terms and interest rates clearly and in writing before the customers sign that paperwork with any third-party lenders.That's another issue with these puppy-selling pet stores.They often will have you sign on a dotted line on an iPad really quickly without reviewing those terms thoroughly. Number three would provide the consumers a detailed health history of the puppy before purchase and to include any veterinary exams,tests,surgeries,or antibiotic treatments.That's just giving the consumer full information about what that puppy has received in terms of healthcare and so that person knows what they're getting into.We also would like to have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian, hands-on, a personal exam for fecal testing, disease testing, and declared healthy before that animal is put up for sale.Again,that gets at the whole sick puppy issue that we've been seeing in pet stores. Number five is to have staff present at all times to ensure the safety of those puppies.Then number six is to provide the puppy with access to water, nutritious food that really is sufficient to maintain a healthy body weight, solid flooring that's free from any type of urine,feces,or other contaminants,and enclosures that allow the puppy to stand on its hind legs and fully stretch without touching the side or top of that enclosure.And that's again just basic standards of the animal being able to move around and be comfortable in that enclosure. As Kristie mentioned,there's not currently any puppy-selling pet stores in the city of Jeffersonville. But we have seen a lot of movement of stores with the preemption bill and then also other neighboring states still having the ability to pass these humane pet store ordinances, as I mentioned before. So this is a great opportunity for the City of Jeffersonville to be the first locality in the state of Indiana to lead this important reform on pet store regulations. I did also want to mention that the City of Hammond and the Town of Clarksville are also currently considering these ordinances. We've also had some movement in the City of Terre Haute and Westfield as well. Like I said, these communities are really just trying to figure out what they can and can't do with the passage of the preemption bill in 2024. So, with that, I just want to thank you so much for your time this evening, for considering this ordinance,to Kristie, to all of you, for being leaders in our state. And, with that, I'm happy to answer any questions that anyone might have." Vice President Burns: "I had a couple of questions. First of all, thank you for being proactive and bringing this to us. Ms. Ashcraft, will your department enforce this ordinance?What happens if they violate the ordinance? Les always says, "An ordinance is only as good as the consequences that might be there," if they violate the ordinance." Ms. Ashcraft: "Yeah, and that's not in here, and I can certainly follow up with Les and see what he would suggest as far as that goes. I would assume citations, things like that." Councilperson Stoner: "I love the direction of it, but don't you think that those consequences would need to be listed in the ordinance be we pass it?" Vice President Burns: "Well they wouldn't be enforceable if they weren't listed, in my opinion. Personally I would be in favor of passing the ordinance tonight because it takes three readings, but I'd like to see a little more meat to the ordinance so that we have some way to actually enforce it." Ms. Ashcraft: "I completely agree." Councilperson Hawkins: "I have a question for Larry. Larry could you define the terms when we are talking about puppy pet stores? Who does that apply to?" Larry Wilder, City Council Attorney: "So, I'm going to make a recommendation that you all consider giving me an opportunity to consult with the legal team that was described as who drafted this. I'd like to talk to some of their lawyers. Candidly, I'd also like to talk to Mr. Merkley. I'll stretch a statute as far as you all want, but IC 36-8-2-4, which is what is premising that you have this authority under, I'm not so sure how it is covered under in 36-8-2-4. And I've just popped up the cases and the language that they want you to use is, "A unit may regulate conduct or use or possession of property that might endanger the public health, safety, or welfare." To me, I read that as that you can regulate the property. Now, the animals are some sort of chattel property. In candid with you, I'd like to really maybe talk to some lawyers, talk to some other cities that they've indicated are considering, but have not enacted, because I love it when my clients do things first before anybody else, but it's usually preferable that the first thing that they do before everybody else is correct, enforceable, and right." Councilperson Semones: "If I can piggyback on Mr. Hawkins' question, which I believe was to provide some definition, I think Mr. Wilder referenced the legal term, unit. One of the things I'd written down is, what is a pet shop? How does that differ from a pet supply store? Like Feeders Supply. I was so thrilled when we finally got a place to go buy dog food in Jeff, right? So, I'm not sure that Mr. Wilder actually addressed your question, although I appreciate him wanting to give his opinion. My question for Ms. Ashcraft, is there any evidence that our city workers can I provide that this regulation is needed? Mr.Wilder cited a legal standard that there has to be proof of endangerment of public safety or welfare. So, one of the basic fundamentals of constitutional law is there has to be a need before a government agency takes action, and that the government action has to be well-supported or the least restrictive format. So, are there complaints about this happening in our city? Is there evidence that this is a problem that is worthy of our time to address? Not that I doubt anyone's motivations or intentions,or that I don't think that things that were laid out by Ms. Chapman were reasonable requests.When I adopted my dog,they had to do a home study, all sorts of stuff. Is there a need? Do you have evidence that there is a public safety issue?" Ms.Ashcraft: "Yeah, so our goal with passing this is because we've seen in Clarksville that their animal control has been overwhelmed with calls to Puppygram.So we are trying to be proactive in this approach. So if a pet store does want to come,they can see that we are going to have some kind of regulation over that. So yeah, we don't have any pet stores that sell from puppy mills. Feeders Supply will adopt out from rescues,things like that. We adopt out cats at PetSmart and Petco.They work with local rescues and things like that, unlike Puppygram." Councilperson White: "What is Puppygram?" Ms.Ashcraft: "It's opened up in Clarksville, and that's one of the reasons that kind of spurred this. And like she said, Clarksville is looking to add an ordinance as well to regulate pet stores." Councilperson Hawkins: "Is that the place in the mall? I've only half way heard about what that is." Ms. Ashcraft: "Yes, I have plenty of people that are happy to talk about their experience with that." Councilperson White: "Ms. Chapman, in some of these other ordinances,you mentioned 20. Are there enforcement mechanisms in those ordinances?" Ms. Chapman: "So the 20 ordinances that we passed before the pet store preemption law was enacted in 2024 at the state level,yeah,there was enforcement. Basically, it prohibited the retail sale of dogs and cats. So essentially, it was really easy for enforcement because the animal control officer would go in and say, "Oh, we don't allow that here." So then they were cited. So, there would be some additional enforcement mechanisms, but again,what we're laying out here are basic standards. So, pricing on the cage card, looking at breeder information,this is just as important for consumer protection as it is for animal safety.And that's the thing that I think is really most important for all of you to consider. Like everyone loves animals, but also consumers really deserve to know what they're purchasing. And with pet stores that routinely sell sick puppies that is something that people deserve to know. It is something that they should be considering. So, I think that this would, as Kristie mentioned,that there's not any pet stores currently in Jeffersonville, but it would really lay out some standards for stores that are coming in to know what's expected of them and what the consumers of Jeffersonville expect, essentially." Councilperson White: "Right, but does your organization or legal team have any examples of if they don't supply the necessary information, penalties for that? If you don't,that's fine." Ms. Chapman: "Yeah, we're happy to suggest that. And I'm sorry, we had our legal team draft this. Typically, the way that an ordinance is drafted, there's a section, there's definitions, and then there's specific provisions, like this one would be related to pet stores. Then there's a general section that would address penalties. But if that's not present, we could certainly assist with drafting something that would make sense that would fit for the city of Jeffersonville." Councilperson Snelling: "So would this only apply to dogs and cats? What about lizards and snakes and stuff like that? Because I know pet stores, I visit a lot, and they have snakes and lizards and just about everything." Ms. Chapman: "Yeah, this would be specific really to dogs." Councilperson Stoner: "So it's my understanding that some of the issues that Puppygram has experienced, that Clarksville has experienced, has been substandard practices for how they are selling these dogs and cats. And there's been issues that they're selling sick animals, and that people are finding out later down the road that this animal is sick and dies because of its injuries. So I'm not sure if that would fit that description, Ms. Semones, of creating a need for action, I think it could. A conversation I was having just before this was around the way that the state has restricted our ability to take action on this issue. And so I really appreciate the fact that we're being proactive on this because, as was mentioned before, if a pet store does come into town that is selling dogs or cats, they'll have a framework for how they need to act. Yes. And it will also create a paper trail if there's issues down the road that they could adjudicate in court. And so I really appreciate where this is going. I do think that we probably need to include the consequences within the ordinance. So, I don't know if we could just pass it on the first reading?" Ms. Ashcraft: "Yeah, and Les has reviewed this, but I can certainly follow up with those questions and things like that." Councilperson White: "Another question I have is, did Chad Reischl have a part in this, and is it included in our zoning codes?" Ms. Ashcraft: "I have not spoken to Chad about this, mainly because I think it's an animal issue. I can certainly ask him and get his advice and things like that as well." Councilperson White: "But what I'm saying is that we can have a specific zoning code that has to be approved or a special exception through the BZA where these types of businesses can be opened or prevented from opening if it's not in the proper zoning. So that's another way to address it. If you have this total overall assessment or approach regulating them, then that prevents people from the loopholes. You follow what I'm saying, Mr. Wilder?" Mr. Wilder: "Yes, and I really have some concerns about having the opportunity to speak to their legal team." Councilperson White: "Yeah, well can you include the zoning aspect of it. We may be preempted from making it a special exception, or however we do it, but we need to have that total approach so there's not a way around what we're trying to do." Ms. Ashcraft: "Yeah, Samantha Chapman and Humane World for Animals has been very helpful in crafting these, answering questions, so I'm sure they'd be available for that." Ms. Chapman: "Well, I will say Tippecanoe County actually passed an ordinance related to zoning that I'd be happy to send on to your legal team to take a look at as well. They did that shortly after the preemption law passed. So they were very proactive, they did not want any pet stores coming in. So that's something else that you might want to take a look at, but happy to share that as well." Vice President Burns proceed with inviting Suzanne Tolman to the podium to speak on Ordinance 2026-OR-18. Suzanne Tolman; 1006 E. 10th St. Jeffersonville, IN (See attachment) Councilperson Hawkins: "I'd be for progressing with this ordinance, but I'm just one of the people that'll be deciding this. But for me to continue on the further readings, I would want a definition of terms, which I've already indicated to Mr. Wilder. I think it's necessary to have the enforcement mechanism already into place and not push back to that. Everybody up here knows me knows that I basically live for my Bernese Mountain dogs, one of which was saved from a mill, and she has developmental problems. Like everybody who's around animals knows that and the way it works. But I would not be for, if we're moving forward, if we're going to be part of the UDO and all that, I would not be for an overall ban. But I do think what has been presented by these people who have done this across the state is a place to begin. But that's where my vote would lie, if those kind of things would move forward as we go." Mr. Wilder: "Ms. Chapman, if I could provide you with my email address. If you could send me all the information who the lawyers are that you guys are working with, then it gives me an opportunity to have a dialogue with them about some of the things I just want to make sure are not things that this ordinance might do. Because there are, for your all's information, there is a body of statutes in Indiana code right now under 15-21-2-3 of 15-21-5-6.5 that very clearly defines what animals, dogs and cats, can be sold in Indiana. And that there's a certain number of prohibitions.There's an absolute board that requires that these entities register, and it's a crime if they don't register. Class A misdemeanor, up to $10,000 fine. So I just want to make sure that what they're proposing is something that's enforceable and good for us, that we don't get sued." Councilperson Hawkins: "Well we have no harm moving forward with a single reading." 4 Mr. Wilder: "Absolutely,first and second reading, I would suggest. If I can get that information emailed to me tonight, then I would certainly start communicating with the people that you all do work with." Councilperson Stoner: "I just wanted to add that I know this is one of the many issues that we have realized that the state kind of ties our hands in some way. So just for public awareness, if you feel that there's a problem with our state legislation, speaking with a constituent prior to the meeting, our state legislators would be the only ones where to direct that conversation, and I think they would be happy to hear out your concerns. I'd be happy to assist with anyone getting in contact with them. Mr. Hawkins, you mentioned UDO, what did you say about that?" Councilperson Hawkins: "We were talking about putting it in a zoning, making it not really—I took that to mean with your conversation earlier, making it a zoning to where it was impossible to have those." Councilperson White: "No, that's not what I meant. I meant just so we can control where they go. Councilperson Hawkins: "Okay, I thought that was just like a way of saying we would just stop them from happening at all. And I wouldn't be for that because I think they do provide a service, and people have a right to their freedom of having a business and going to that business. But I don't see anything wrong with the pretty basic things that this legislation puts forward." Councilperson Semones: "I, again, don't question anyone's motivation. I think that the requests are reasonable and practical. But given my knowledge of our role as a legislative body, I would say this needs to go back to the drawing board. I would only be in support of passing this on a first reading. I think there are three readings for a lot of reasons. One is to introduce the idea, the second is to answer questions, and the third is to get the public to weigh in after all that information's been presented. I think there needs to be evidence that we have a problem before we can ever take any action. I know that people like to be proactive, but I don't think that's the correct legal standard. I think there needs to be some presentation of research, both as to the existing mechanisms in place to address this issue and to how the solutions you're presenting will actually be effective. I think there needs to be coordination with other city agencies and boards, and I think there also, as earlier stated, needs to be an enforcement clause. I'd like to know more about what the existing laws are in the state of Indiana that regulate this issue before we decide that we need to make additional laws." There were no more questions or comments from the council. Councilperson Hawkins made a motion to approve Ordinance 2026-OR-18 on the 1st reading, seconded by Councilperson Stoner; motion passed, 8-0. 2. Chief McVoy 2026-R-7 Resolution Approving and Ratifying the Inter-local Agreement Between Jeffersonville and Clark County for the Byrne Justice Assistance (JAG) Program Award Vice President Burns introduced the next item on the agenda, adding that the council makes this approval to participate in the grant program annually or every other year.Vice President Burns then gave the floor to Division Commander Todd Hollis, who spoke in place of Chief McVoy. Officer Hollis greeted the council and informed them that Chief McVoy was unable to attend the meeting and sent his regrets. He noted that he was present to answer any questions regarding the agreement and confirmed that the agreement is something completed on a yearly basis. Officer Hollis also added that the grant applied for this year would assist with the purchase of new laptops and scanners. There were no questions or comments from the council. Councilperson Hawkins made a motion to approve Resolution 2026-R-7, seconded by Councilperson Semones; motion passed, 8-0. COMMITTEE REPORTS/COMMENTS: None ATTORNEY COMMENTS: Larry Wilder- "I have nothing, thank you all very much. I will, however, provide everybody with something relatively quickly. It will be about Title 15, it's the code that deals with the states, where they step into this particular area. I received from the young lady from the organization that email, and I'll report what I find out from their counsel, so you all have that information on Sunday." Les Merkley—Not present. DEPARTMENT HEADS: None. COUNCIL COMMENTS: • Councilperson White— Thank you Mr. Wilder.The reason I brought up the zoning classification for this is because I can foresee how it pops up in the middle of a neighborhood, it complies with everything else,then we have to deal with that, and then it's too late, they're grandfathered in. And that's the purpose of zoning is to control where things go. I see the complaints all the time about banks and car washes and gas stations, and it used to be car lots. So if we get on this on the front end, we can't stop it, but we can have some input on where it goes, then I think that's 4 an important part for us to weigh. It probably will have to be a separate ordinance, but my support's going to hinge on that." • Council Vice President Burns— No comment. • Councilperson Semones—"So I appreciate any time an issue is brought before the council that affects our city and our citizens, and our animals. I just want to move forward thoughtfully and intentionally. I would like to thank all of our citizens who participated in our recent election. That's one of our privileges as citizens of the city, is to be able to vote. So I want to thank everyone who took the time out of their day to do that. I want to congratulate Mr. Kavanaugh on his successful primary for our new sheriff. I want to congratulate all of our seniors and remind them to please be thankful to their families, but also to be safe as they celebrate. Don't want anyone's celebrations to be cut short because of any poor decision-making or tragic incident. So have a great time, kiddos, but be careful, and remember you have a lot to celebrate ahead of you." • Councilperson Anderson—No comment. • Council President Reed—Absent • Councilperson Webb— No comment. • Councilperson Hawkins—"I echo congratulations to the winners of the recent elections, and really thank you for not only the voter, but the other people running. It is no small thing to run for office, no matter how small the office, and we need more people doing that, not fewer people. But after watching local TV the last couple days, I will be so glad that Kentucky is finished with their primary tomorrow, it can't get here fast enough. And then everybody can forget about it for a few months and then get geared up again, but that's it, thanks." • Councilperson Snelling—No comment. • Councilperson Stoner—"I really appreciate everyone coming out today and speaking about this very important issue. I think the way we've seen the fallout from the decisions in Clarksville, I would much rather be having this conversation from a proactive perspective as opposed to when it's dealing with massive strife in the community because of an issue. Also, Ms. Semones, it's interesting, there's some meetings in some cities, can you believe this, 27 readings on the ordinances. Maybe we can start adding some readings to it. But no, that's it, thank you." Councilperson Semones: "You're going to have to follow up with me on that. I need to know more." Councilperson Stoner: "I will." ADJOURNMENT: Council Vice President Burns made the motion to ADJOURN the meeting at 06:39 p.m. DISCLAIMER: These minutes are a summary of actions taken at the Jeffersonville City Council meetings. The full video archive of the meeting is available for viewing at www.cityofjeff.net for as long as this media is supported. (,/ APPROVED BY: Gy ( Azi' ,' Donna Reed, Council President ATTEST: Li a Gill, Clerk One of the biggest concerns surrounding puppies sourced from commercial breeding facilities and puppy mills is not just the ethical issue—it is the long-term public safety and behavioral impact these practices can create within our communities. Multiple scientific studies have shown that dogs obtained through pet stores and large-scale commercial breeding operations are significantly more likely to develop fear, anxiety,compulsive behaviors,and aggression compared to dogs from responsible breeders. These behaviors are not random. They are directly connected to poor genetics, chronic stress, inbreeding, lack of socialization,overcrowding,and deprivation during critical developmental stages. A 2013 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs purchased from pet stores showed significantly higher levels of aggression toward family members, strangers, and other dogs. The study also found increased rates of fearfulness, anxiety, separation-related behaviors,and difficulty adapting to normal environments.(Best Friends Animal Society). Research further shows that puppies raised in puppy mills are often deprived of proper human interaction during the critical socialization window between 3 and 14 weeks of age. This developmental period is essential for teaching dogs how to safely and appropriately interact with people,children, other animals, and new environments. When that socialization does not occur,the result can be lifelong behavioral instability(Dogster). Many of these breeding operations also rely heavily on repeated inbreeding and poor genetic practices to maximize profit. Overbreeding without regard for temperament or health can increase the likelihood of unstable behavior,neurological problems, fear reactivity, and aggression. Combined with neglect and isolation,these dogs are set up for failure before they ever arrive in a pet store. Studies have shown that dogs from puppy mills are more likely to display: •Aggression toward owners and unfamiliar people • Fear-based reactivity •Anxiety disorders and phobias •Compulsive or repetitive behaviors • Resource guarding • Poor bite inhibition due to early separation from littermates and mothers (companionanimalpsychology.com) This becomes a public safety issue when families unknowingly purchase puppies that were never properly socialized or temperament-tested.These dogs may struggle in homes with children, crowded neighborhoods, apartment settings,or public spaces. Many owners are unprepared for the extensive behavioral rehabilitation these animals may require, resulting in increased surrender rates to shelters and rescues. Responsible breeders prioritize temperament, genetics,health testing, and proper early-life socialization. Puppy mills prioritize volume and profit. There is a major difference between ethical breeding and mass commercial breeding operations. If Jeffersonville allows the sale of live animals in pet stores,then at minimum there should be strong regulations requiring transparency,humane sourcing standards, breeder inspection disclosures,and accountability measures to protect both animals and the public. This issue is bigger than simply selling puppies. It is about preventing suffering,protecting consumers,and ensuring that our community does not unintentionally support an industry linked to neglect,behavioral instability,and preventable harm. Thank you. Suzanne Tolman