California Just Became The First State To Require Pet Stores To Sell Only Rescue Animals

by pawbuzz on in Animals, Cats, Dogs 23

California has become the first state to require pet stores to sell only rescue animals, after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law on Friday.

Under the new legislation, all dogs, cats, and rabbits sold in pet stores must come from animal shelters or non-profit rescue organizations by 2019.

Any pet store owner who does not comply will be fined $500 for each animal in violation of the law.

The law will work to reduce the mass-breeding of pets in “puppy mills” and “kitten factories,” where they often face abuse and unhealthy living conditions, supporter said.

“This is a big win for our four-legged friends, of course,” Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell, who wrote the bill, said. “But also for California taxpayers who spend more than $250 million annually to house and euthanize animals in our shelters.

“I am very grateful for the strong support we received from animal-lovers across the state and from Social Compassion in Legislation, the bill’s sponsor,” he said.

The bill had faced criticism from the American Kennel Club and California Retailers Association.

“AB 485 blocks all of California’s pet lovers from having access to professional, licensed, and ethical commercial breeders,” Sheila Goffe, vice president of government relations for the American Kennel Club, told the LA Times. “This is not good for Californians or their companion animals.”

Many on social media praised the new law and thanked the people who worked to pass it.

PETA called it “huge news for animals” and thanked the governor for signing it.

And the governor's dog, Colusa (AKA the “first dog” of California), also appeared to be excited about the big news.



23 thoughts on “California Just Became The First State To Require Pet Stores To Sell Only Rescue Animals”

  9. Maxine Williams

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    I feel so sad for dogs, they don’t know where there going and if the home is loving or caring.All homes should be vetted before a dog is homed.Selling dog in pet shops needs to stop, it’s cruel to keep a dog in a cage.
    I hope the day comes when dogs are protected by law and any evil human caught harming a dog or animal is dealt with.

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