THE state government says it has no plans to ban the sale of cats and dogs in Tasmanian pet stores, despite a decrease in pet sales at pet stores in Launceston.
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A number of stores have decided to discontinue the sale of puppies and kittens, with a strong push from the community being touted as the reason.
Petland at Kings Meadows is one of few pet stores in Launceston to still sell cats and dogs all year round, but owner Brent Worsley said the sale of animals was a responsibility all outlets should take seriously.
``You tend to steer people away [from buying a pet] if you think that's appropriate,'' he said.
``You can generally get a feel from the buyer.''
Mr Worsley said a negative perception of pet stores had been portrayed on the internet, leading to the discontinuation of cat and dog sales, but said the rumours were untrue.
``There's a lot of flak from social media and there's a perception that the dogs go to puppy farms and that they won't go to good homes,'' he said.
A spokesperson for the state government said while there were no laws to prevent the sale of cats and dogs at pet stores, it was encouraging responsible pet ownership across the state.
Greens animal welfare spokeswoman Cassy O'Connor said the ``puppy farm phenomenon'' was concerning and encouraged Tasmanians to consider adopting a pet from a shelter, rather than buy from a pet store.
``There are no checks and balances as to the welfare of the animals and we hear stories of puppies being sent to and from across state lines to cater for people wanting designer dogs,'' she said.
Tasmania RSPCA general manager Peter West hoped Tasmanians could focus more on the welfare of animals, rather than their sale.
``Not all pet stores are the same and we have a good relationship with their owners,'' he said.
``The problem is that often we don't know where the animals are coming from. The challenge is to stop the impulse purchase of animals and ensure the right pet finds the right person.''