Irvine bans retail sales of dogs, cats

Attendees, including a man in a dog outfit, celebrate 
the Irvine City Council's vote to ban retail sales of dogs and cats.

By JEFF OVERLEY / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
 

IRVINE – The latest chapter in a fast-growing debate over animal welfare in puppy mills and other venues played out Tuesday night in Irvine, where elected officials backed government intervention to safeguard pets and animals used for entertainment.
On a 4-1 vote that drew a standing ovation, the City Council banned retail sales of dogs and cats, rodeos and circuses featuring exotic animals.

Report: Chinese Raccoon Dogs Skinned Alive for Knockoff Ugg Boots Read more: http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/10/11/report-chinese-raccoon-dogs-skinned-alive-for-knockoff-ugg-boots/#ixzz1aXoGUD4y

Raccoon dog in Ranua, Finland

Peter Lilja / Getty Images

It's a trend that provokes mockery, yet persists due to its unrivaled comfort. But now "Ugg boots" — or more specifically, knockoffs of the classic UGG Australia brand — are coming under fire for the inhumane treatment of Chinese raccoon dogs.