ARDMORE, Okla. ― The Ardmore City Council approved a new ordinance that prevents the selling or giving away of any animals in parking lots, on sidewalks, or any public right of way.

Officials with the City of Ardmore say they have received numerous complaints that many of the animals sold in parking lots and on side walks came from puppy mills. The problem with that is that there is no guarantee they are healthy.

"We have gotten lots of calls from folks who have puppies that have turned out to be sick. They have worms, have diseases, have fleas, have lice, have mange. And so it seems to be a problem. There's no place for citizens who've bought these dogs to back to because they come without warranties, obviously," Ardmore city manager Dan Parrott says.

Ardmore is not the only city to do this. Sherman passed a similar measure a few years ago. Parrott says if caught selling animals in prohibited locations you could receive a fine of up to $200.

The new ordinance takes effect immediately.