April Update:
Prince William Times Artilces
Article on PWC BoCS Look at Pet Store Regulation
Article on Protest at The Puppy Shop
In response to the recent news about a local pet store, we wanted to reach out to the community with an update from the Prince William SPCA. The Puppy Shop in Manassas is the focus of several complaints regarding the conditions of the store and health of the puppies sold. In response to cruelty complaints, please be aware that the Prince William SPCA does not have jurisdiction, nor can we intervene in these complaints. This can only be handled by Prince William County Animal Control. However, we are aware of this matter and have been working proactively over the last year to address the issue.
Members of the Prince William SPCA Board serve on the County’s Animal Advisory Committee. Early last year, we were made aware of this business looking to find a home in Prince William County. Based on the approach taken by other jurisdictions where this business was formerly located, we developed a resolution to keep this, and other pet shops, out of our community. The resolution was sent to the Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) in August 2024, but it was not reviewed or recommended for a staff directive. This week, at the March 18 meeting, the BOCS was reminded of this issue and shown videos and photos of the conditions of these dogs. As a result, the BOCS reported that they will now review the resolution and make a directive as soon as April 1.
The Prince William SPCA has worked tirelessly to support the Prince William County Animal Services Center and promote pet adoptions. Pet shops that sell animals undermine these efforts and jeopardize animal welfare in our community. We intend to do whatever we can to support the efforts to discourage this type of business from being in Prince William County, Manassas City, or Manassas Park.
What can you do?
- Contact the Prince William Board of County Supervisors at [email protected] and urge them to swiftly address this issue. Ask them to make a directive to staff to review zoning and do what they can to discourage this type of business from being in our community.
- Attend or watch the BOCS meeting on April 1, 2025, where this issue is expected to be discussed. Live Video, Briefs & Archives
- Educate yourself about puppy mills. The majority of pet shop animals come from puppy mills, live in deplorable conditions and often come with life-long medical issues and high veterinary bills. The purchase price for the puppy is well above the $800-$5,000 price tag you see on the cage window.
- Do not buy pets from breeders, pet stores, on-line retailers or from advertisements on Facebook Marketplace, Craig’s List, etc. Buying a puppy means you leave a homeless dog, including puppies, at the shelter.
- Adopt a pet from a shelter and encourage others to do the same.
Articles on this issue:
Zoning board denies The Puppy Shop’s request to renew special permit | News | fauquier.com
Supervisors vote to disallow companion animal retailers in Fauquier | News | fauquier.com