SURFSIDE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- A new puppy store is expected to open in Surfside, and it’s causing concern for a group of people in the area.
Rocky Valley Kennels Puppy Boutique set to open in Surfside will be the second shop for the Tennessee based group.
Some locals, however, are against the store opening. They started a Facebook page called “Say no to commercially bred pet sales in the Myrtle Beach community.” The group has more than 300 members.
“We have a severe problem with overpopulation here in Horry County and we have many many animals that need to be transported out of state to find them homes,” said Suzanne Roman.
Suzanne Roman, the former Grand Strand Humane Society executive director said they are concerned about the welfare of the puppies.
“Shops such as puppy boutiques that sell puppies of all different breeds generally tend to get them from puppy mills,” said Roman.
While commercial breeders must meet USDA requirements, pet stores are not federally regulated. The Humane Society of the United States said pet stores are not regulated by the state of South Carolina.
Horry County, however, does have some rules regulating pet stores. Stores that sell 25 or more dogs or cats in a year will be inspected by animal control, and if they receive a complaint they will do an inspection.
“We really do want to stand up and speak with county officials about prohibiting the sale of commercially bred pets here,” said Roman.
Nationwide, nearly 300 communities do not allow pet stores. Roman said they advocate for pet adoption, but say if people want to buy a pet, to make sure to get one from a reputable breeder.
News 13 reached out to the Tennessee Better Business Bureau where the puppy boutique is based, and they did not have any complaints.
The owner declined to comment.
