North Kingstown Ordinance Bans Pet Sales, Threatening Local Business Closure
The North Kingstown Town Council has approved a new ordinance that bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in stores, effective January 1. Mickey Marabello, owner of The Fish Bowl, stated that this ban could force his business to close, as sales of these animals account for approximately 50% of his store's income. Marabello expressed concern about the financial viability of his business under the new regulation and is exploring options to terminate his lease. The decision by the Town Council followed months of protests outside The Fish Bowl, during which Marabello and his employees reported experiencing harassment from demonstrators. Supporters of the ordinance, like Angie Shehan, expressed satisfaction with its passage, though she noted that the dispute was not something they initially sought. Marabello maintains that his vendors are certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and have undergone multiple audits, suggesting compliance with existing regulations. However, proponents of the ban argue tha...
