Effective today, only rescue dogs, cats and rabbits can be sold in California pet stores.
The state’s new legislation, titled AB-485, bans shops from selling from breeders in a bid to eliminate puppy mills.
The law came into force Jan. 1, 2019.
Now, only dogs, cats and rabbits obtained through shelters, humane societies or other rescue facilities can be sold in pet stores. And meticulous records must be kept as they could be periodically checked by officials.
The bill is also meant to help keep the unwanted pet population in check.
“The bill would require all sales of dogs and cats authorized by this provision to be in compliance with laws requiring the spaying or neutering of animals, as specified,” it states.
And, pet store operators who break the law could be fined $500.
The landmark law is being applauded as a blueprint for the nation.
The law will “require all sales of dogs and cats authorized by this provision to be in compliance with laws requiring the spaying or neutering of animals, as specified.” #animalwelfare #endpuppymills #adoptdontshop… https://t.co/2qc9abEGXa
— Rescuzilla NYC (@rescuzillanyc) December 30, 2018
Big win to curb puppy mills and other harmful breeders. Also great for shelter animals! Hope more states follow CA lead. https://t.co/FJoLK3CP9b
— Sarah Kowalske (@se_johansen) December 30, 2018
IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!! Breeders should also be banned and there should be a moratorium on purchasing breeders licenses until millions of innocent animals stop being murdered in overflowing shelters. Dogs are lives not novelty items for human profit. #americahttps://t.co/WIL09Z59T2
— Stand Up For Pits (@SUFPFoundation) December 30, 2018
This is a great step toward ending puppy and kitten mills! https://t.co/lIEeaaA2AF
— Lauren Bird Horowitz (@birdaileen) December 30, 2018
STARTING TODAY, California pet stores are no longer allowed to sell dogs, cats or bunnies that were not adopted from an animal shelter or NONPROFIT rescue group. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
God Bless My State! California leads by positive progressive example. pic.twitter.com/Yrt7loFigw
— DjFallingGirl (@FallingDj) January 1, 2019
Happy New Year California! Retail pet stores in California will only be able to sell kittens, rabbits, and puppies *if they come from a rescue organization* after a new state law goes into effect Tuesday.https://t.co/oKjfwSIDTx
— Grouchy Puppy® (@grouchypuppy) January 1, 2019
I’m so glad #pet stores here in #California will no longer be able to sell #cats, #dogs or #rabbits unless they come from shelters.
There are so many sweet , beautiful animals in shelters that need homes.
I found my cats in my Mom’s backyard & i’ll always be grateful I found them https://t.co/RMyIDbSz4u— Brad Linden (@BradLindenSoCal) January 1, 2019
This is a great thing that California is doing, perhaps a beginning of the end to horrific puppy mills, e.g., we need to make this a federal law.
California Pet Stores Can Now Only Sell Rescue or Shelter Dogs And Cats https://t.co/Mx1qYCpSRh via @jezebel
— Reagan Ross (@ReaganRoss7) January 1, 2019
Main photo Sacramento SPCA/Twitter
