Columbia Cracks Down on Parking Lot Pet Sales

Issue #753

June 18, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Clouds & sunshine w/ high of 85, low of 61

📰 Columbia Cracks Down on Parking Lot Pet Sales

📰 Columbia to Unveil Marker Remembering 42 Victims of 1977 Jail Fire

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Cracks Down on Parking Lot Pet Sales

The Columbia City Council has taken the first step toward adopting a new ordinance aimed at ending the sale and giveaway of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits in outdoor public spaces.

The measure, known as Ordinance 4592, received unanimous approval on first reading and is expected to return to the council for final consideration in July.

According to Maury County Animal Services, the proposal was developed in partnership with the City Attorney and would give both Animal Control officers and the Columbia Police Department the ability to enforce the new rules. Supporters say the ordinance is designed to discourage irresponsible breeding, protect animal health and reduce the number of unwanted animals that eventually end up in local shelters.

MCAS officials have noted that animals sold or given away in parking lots are often unvaccinated or unhealthy, and that sellers from outside Maury County frequently bring unwanted litters into Columbia. Those animals can become a burden on local resources when owners are unable to care for them.

The department says it is working to provide alternatives for pet owners, including low-cost spay and neuter services and plans for an expanded shelter facility that will provide additional intake capacity. Officials hope owners will seek assistance before situations become critical and animals are abandoned or given away without proper screening.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit the sale, transfer, display or giveaway of dogs, cats and domestic rabbits in outdoor public areas. However, it would not affect transactions taking place at private residences or prearranged exchanges conducted at safe public locations. Adoption events hosted by animal shelters and registered rescue organizations would also remain permitted.

Supporters say the ordinance would help prevent animals from being kept for hours in overcrowded crates while being sold or given away in parking lots and would improve public safety for both people and pets.

Maury County Animal Services called the proposal "a victory for our community and the animals that live within the city limits" and thanked residents, rescue groups and animal advocates who have voiced support for the measure.

If approved on second reading, the ordinance would establish new rules governing public pet transactions within the City of Columbia.

Columbia to Unveil Marker Remembering 42 Victims of 1977 Jail Fire

The City of Columbia will host a ceremony next week to unveil a historical marker commemorating the Maury County Jail Fire of June 26, 1977, a tragedy that claimed 42 lives.

The event will take place Friday, June 26, at 3 p.m. at the Maury County Archives, located at 201 E. 6th Street in Columbia.

According to the City of Columbia, the ceremony will honor those who lost their lives in the fire, recognize the lasting impact the tragedy had on the community, and preserve the memory of a significant event in both local and national history.

The 1977 Maury County Jail Fire remains deadliest correctional facility fire in Tennessee and the second-deadliest in United States history.

The public is invited to attend the historical marker unveiling ceremony.

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Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, June 18th

Friday, June 19th - Juneteenth

Saturday, June 20th

Sunday, June 21st - Father’s Day

Monday, June 22nd 

Tuesday, June 23rd

Wednesday. June 24th

  • Vet2Vet Meet Up at Twisted Copper Brewing Company - 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Discount Code: Deeper

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, June 18
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM

Friday, June 19
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5–8 PM
Ryan Keeler - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Radio Farm - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Jason Minton Band - The Boondox, 8 PM
Zone Status - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, June 20
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12–6 PM
Phillips Music - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Sins Country - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5–9 PM
Courtyard Jazz, Blues & Cigars - The Mulehouse, 6 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6–8 PM
Jim Brown & Friends - Mt. Pleasant Music on the Porch, 205 S. Main St, 6–9 PM
Speed Trap - Twisted Copper, 7–9 PM
Sweet Niece - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Parker & Sonny - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Gritz & Glory - The Boondox, 8 PM
Pretty Grimm - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, June 21
The Cliftones - Amber Falls Winery, 1–5 PM
Brothers Revolt, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 3 PM
CJ Conklin, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM

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