The days of wondering about the price of that doggy in the window might be over if Ms Moore, who on Thursday tabled a bill to prohibit the sale of cats, dogs and other mammals in pet shops, has her way.

Ms Moore said pet shops promoted impulse buying and created a demand that led to irresponsible breeding – claims backed by the RSPCA.

Bowral’s June Bird, founder of Say No to Animals in Pet Shops, has also been campaigning on the issue for six years and said pet shops promoted cruel "puppy farming" where caged dogs were forced to breed almost continuously.

"When you consider the hundreds of thousands (the conservative estimate in Australia is 200,000) animals put to sleep per year in pounds and shelters the purchasing of a cute animal from a pet shop to fill the pockets of pet shop owners, puppy farms and backyard breeders is disgraceful," she said.

"It’s an ugly, ugly business."

But Bowral pet shop owner Jeremy Maitland said the ban is unnecessary because the eyes and ears of the public are enough to make sure pet shops do the right thing.

"Any business is about a long-term relationship not just a short-term sale," Mr Maitland said.

"Our staff like to spend time with people before they sell the animal ... we give out fact sheets ... we’ll talk to them about the sorts of medical issues that might come up.

"Potentially you can get impulsive buyers, but a good retailer will stop that because it’s not good for business."

Full story: SHN, Monday, October 22