Several local pet stores have shown that it’s possible to run viable businesses by focusing on sales of pet accessories, food, grooming and training services, she said.

Adriana Pisano Beaumont, a resident of Richmond Hill and part of a volunteer citizen group working on the issue of imported rescues and a scholar in anthrozoology, said provincial legislation on animal cruelty is helpful, but municipalities play an important role, too, by passing bylaws such as those policing animal tethering and pet store sales.

Ward 2 Councillor Tom Muench was the only member of council to vote against the bylaw restricting pet store sales.

“I lost four molars because when I kiss my cat I scrunch my teeth and cracked my teeth — [costing] thousands of dollars. I love animals as many of you do, but I’m unbiased.

“It’s real easy to say yes to this [motion],” he said, “but we want to get rid of puppy mills, we can do so much better than this.”

Banning or restricting sales won’t change the puppy mill industry, he said, and could hurt people in Richmond Hill, adding he questions how the town will “verify suppliers outside of Ontario”.

Ward 4 Councillor David West admitted it is a complicated issue.

“Regardless of what happens with us and other municipalities, the problem [of puppy mills] is still going to exist and that makes me very uncomfortable … but it is a step in right direction and we are doing what we can.”

Town staff will present details on the new implementation bylaw for council’s approval by October, 2016.