MONROE – Animal rights advocates have succeeded in having the roadsale sale of animals banned in Ouachita Parish.

The sale of animals, particular puppies, from the beds of pickup trucks and trunks of cars is a controversial issue in many locales.

The Police Jury on Monday adopted the ban, under authority given it by the Legislature this year.

Under previously existing state law, the Police Jury could prohibit animals from roaming at large and impose fees for animal vendors, but it not regulate the sale of animals.

The ordinance mirrors existing ordinances in East Baton Rouge and Lafayette parishes prohibiting the “sale, exchange, barter, trade, lease, rent, give away, display or transfer of any animal on any roadside, public right-of-way, parkway, median, park, playground, flea market, commercial or retail parking lot, or property adjacent to such locations, that is generally accessible to the public, regardless of whether such access is authorized or not.”

Parish counsel Jay Mitchell said the ordinance still allows the sidewalk sale of some animals such as rabbits and chicks at business establishments in the parish.

The ordinance calls for a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail for violations.