Philadelphia City Council today passed (15-0) Bill No. 250989, legislation introduced by Councilwoman Cindy Bass to establish a temporary moratorium on the unlicensed breeding, sale, and transfer of puppies within the City of Philadelphia.
The bill responds to a documented increase in stray and abandoned dogs across the city, overcrowding at the City’s animal shelter, ACCT Philly, and growing public health and safety concerns. The moratorium is a targeted, time-limited measure designed to stabilize shelter intake while the City Council considers longer-term regulatory solutions.
Bill 250989 pauses unregulated puppy breeding and sales by individuals and entities without a valid Pennsylvania kennel license, while preserving exemptions for licensed kennels, nonprofit rescues, and service-related programs. The legislation also strengthens transparency requirements for advertising puppy sales and provides enforcement tools to address evasive practices.
“This bill is about responsibility, compassion, and common sense,” said Councilwoman Cindy Bass. “Philadelphia’s animal shelter system is under real strain, and unregulated breeding has contributed to overcrowding, abandonment, and public safety risks. Bill 250989 gives our city the breathing room it needs to protect animals, support responsible pet ownership, and safeguard our neighborhoods, while we work toward sustainable, long-term solutions.”
Councilwoman Bass emphasized that the moratorium is not a permanent ban, but a narrowly tailored response to an urgent issue impacting both animals and residents.
“This legislation does not target responsible, licensed operations or rescues,” Bass added. “It focuses on unregulated activity that has overwhelmed our shelter system and put animals and people at risk. Protecting animal welfare is part of building healthy, safe communities, and today’s vote reflects Philadelphia’s values.”
The ordinance will take effect 90 days after passage and will remain in place for 36 months unless renewed by City Council following a public review of shelter capacity, enforcement data, and public health impacts.
Bill 250989 now moves to the Mayor’s desk for signature.
About Councilwoman Cindy Bass: Elected to City Council in 2012, Councilwoman Cindy Bass represents Philadelphia’s 8th District, covering Germantown, Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Logan, and parts of North and Northwest Philadelphia. A lifelong Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, she has dedicated her career to enhancing public safety, expanding youth programs, and improving quality of life for her constituents. Councilwoman Bass serves on multiple key committees and is known for championing initiatives that address housing, education, public health, and community development. She has led efforts to improve parks and recreation centers, combat illegal dumping, and introduce inclusive play and fitness spaces. Her legislative work includes the Nuisance Business Bill and stronger penalties for catalytic converter theft. She also launched a paid Restorative Justice Circle Keeper program to train inner-city youth and remains active in workforce development, food access, and expungement services. Councilwoman Bass lives in East Mount Airy and continues to lead with a people-first, community-driven approach. Phlcouncil.com
