NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Vendors will no longer be allowed to sell animals at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, according to its executive director.

"Effective immediately, we will no longer allow the sale of animals at our flea markets or any other events," said Fairgrounds Executive Director Buck Dozier on Friday.

Dozier cited concerns about animal farms and “puppy mills” and said the fairgrounds is "best serving the public by banning all animal sales on the fairgrounds."

Organizers of a pet expo set for the weekend of July 12 and 13 have since canceled the event.

Dozier said he would notify long-term vendors of the fairgrounds’ decision and that he expected no problems.

He added that to the fairgrounds’ knowledge, "None of our vendors has been implicated in the mistreatment of animals."

The decision came after Dozier consulted the Tennessee State Fair Board after it met earlier with Rep. Janice Sontany, D-Nashville, humane association representatives and Metro Animal Control.