North Kingstown Weighs Ban on Pet Store Dog Sales

North Kingstown Town Council members face a choice on Nov. 9: allow pet stores to sell dogs or join six other Rhode Island towns that have already banned the practice. The decision follows a months long dispute over Fish Bowl Aquarium and Pet Mart, a new business in the town that has drawn intense scrutiny from residents and animal welfare groups.

Michael Marabello Jr. opened his third local location in July after announcing the expansion on social media in February. Within days of the grand opening, complaints began to surface. Online posts claimed puppies received water only twice a day. Videos showed animals behind glass with price tags, and a Google document circulated reviews from customers who alleged they purchased sick puppies.

The conflict escalated when the Companion Animal Protection Society released an investigative video. The footage alleged that breeders and brokers with documented violations supplied the store’s Fall River location. Marabello said those animals were then transported to his West Warwick and North Kingstown stores. Protesters gathered outside the North Kingstown shop as the story spread.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management officials inspected the store twice, on July 16 and Aug. 3. Kim Keough, the agency’s chief public affairs officer, reported that no animal welfare violations were found. The Rhode Island SPCA also reviewed complaints and found no violations of animal cruelty laws. Todd Cramer, the SPCA president, confirmed the agency found no issues.

Town solicitor James Callaghan told the council in August that DEM received at least 50 complaints about dog welfare. However, the town identified a separate regulatory issue. Marabello had not obtained a special-use permit to board animals overnight in a groundwater recharge overlay zone. He stated he was never informed the permit was required when he took over the property, which had previously been in receivership.

Council member Elizabeth Hill Ross argued the core problem lies with the breeding industry rather than the store owner. She described the animals as not quality animals and said she wants the operation shut down completely. More than 10 residents testified in favor of the ban, many urging the town to promote shelter adoption instead of retail sales.

Rep. Patricia Serpa, D-West Warwick, testified before the council. She has pushed for a statewide ban since 2018 when her bill failed in the General Assembly. She noted that West Warwick, East Providence, Warwick, Providence, Scituate, and Smithfield now prohibit pet stores from selling live dogs and cats. Some residents in Richmond are currently pushing for a similar local ordinance.

State veterinarian Scott Marshall opposed the earlier state legislation. He argued that banning retail sales would not reduce demand for puppies from commercial facilities. Instead, he warned it could shift sales into the rescue sector. He cited a trend of rescues dealing primarily with puppies bought from the same commercial breeders as pet shops.

Marabello contends a ban would limit consumer choice and push buyers toward a black market. He provides a two-year warranty on his dogs and said he supports stronger regulations. He proposed a system where pet stores, shelters, and rescues coexist, or stores contribute to shelters if their animals end up there. He said a ban could force him to close if he cannot afford the lease.

The national debate continues to influence local policy. California banned pet stores from selling commercially bred dogs in 2017. A Los Angeles Times investigation later found that the trade adapted, with dogs from Midwest mass breeders entering the state through resellers posing as local breeders. A 2025 USDA Office of Inspector General audit found that 80% of reviewed dog breeders had not fully corrected Animal Welfare Act violations.

In Washington, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., introduced the Puppy Protection Act of 2025. The bill would require veterinary screening before each breeding attempt and limit female dogs to two litters in 18 months. The North Kingstown ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing on Nov. 9.