An online petition to end the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores on the Island has received more than 500 signatures so far.

Started by “Concerned Bermudians” the petition demands legislation banning the “despicable” practice of selling live animals as pets by commercial facilities.

“Very few reputable or accredited breeders will sell a puppy to a broker or a pet shop,” reads the petition, adding that “the majority of puppies in pet stores across North America and the UK come from puppy mills”.

Signatories from France, Germany, England, Belgium, Italy, Yemen, and other countries have signed the petition, which alleges that “puppy mills are horrific commercial breeding facilities where females are bred non stop until they are on their death’s bed”.

Turning its focus to the Island, the petition calls the practices of Bermudian pet stores “despicable”, accusing the unnamed pet stores of “not [being] concerned for the well being of the puppy and only about profits”.

“Numerous passers-by have seen water bowls empty, sunlight beating down on the puppy area through the shop windows and puppies left alone with little stimulation or exercise during the day.”

Currently a total of 49 jurisdictions across the US have banned the retail sale of dogs and cats, while a total of 20 states have enacted similar legislation.