The Cobb Board of Commissioners will hold a hearing tonight on proposed code amendments, including a ban on the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores in the county.

Animal welfare advocates have been pushing the county to adopt such a ban. They say the sale of cats and dogs encourages irresponsible, for-profit breeding, and urge the public to adopt from shelters instead.

County spokesman Ross Cavitt said officials believe Petland in Kennesaw is the only business that would be affected by the change. Under the proposed rule, the store would have 90 days to come into compliance.

Private breeders would not be affected.

Other proposed code amendments include a tax on short-term rentals, such as Airbnb.

The county is also looking at eliminating the temporary land use permit for backyard chickens in favor of a “use by right” as long as conditions are met.

Tuesday’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at the County Government Building on Marietta Square.

A second and final hearing will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 9 a.m.

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