The Board of Governors, concerned about raising a potentially divisive issue, has voted to reject an Animal Law Section proposal to endorse a ban on retail pet sales.

At a December 3 meeting on Amelia Island, the board voted 22-12 to reject an Animal Law Section’s proposed legislative position.

President Michael Tanner said it isn’t always easy to interpret a mandate to avoid positions with a “potential for deep philosophical or emotional division among a substantial segment of Bar members.”