California Lawmakers Take Aim at Puppy Mills with New Legislation
State lawmakers in California have approved a bill that would ban online pet dealer websites and middlemen who pose as local breeders from selling dogs to consumers in the state. The move is the latest effort to curtail the pipeline from out-of-state puppy mills, which has been a longstanding issue in California. According to Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park), the bill, known as Assembly Bill 519, will help ensure buyers aren’t misled about where their puppies come from.
A Times investigation last year revealed that designer dogs are often trucked into California from out-of-state commercial breeders and resold by people claiming to be small, local operators. This practice has led to many buyers being sold sick or poorly bred pets, resulting in financial and emotional harm. Berman’s bill would ban online marketplaces where dogs are sold by brokers, which is defined as any person or business that sells or transports a dog bred by someone else for profit.
How the Bill Would Work
The bill would apply to dogs, cats, and rabbits under a year old and would ban online marketplaces where these animals are sold by brokers. Major national pet retailers, such as PuppySpot, as well as California-based operations that market themselves as pet matchmakers and resellers, would be included in the ban. However, the bill does not apply to police dogs or service animals and provides an exemption for shelters, rescues, and 4H clubs.
PuppySpot has opposed the bill, arguing that it would dismantle a system that works for families, particularly those seeking specific breeds for allergy concerns. However, supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to prevent deceptive sales tactics and protect animal health and consumer trust. Attorney General Rob Bonta has written in support of the bill, stating that it is an important step in shutting down deceptive sales tactics and lessening the financial and emotional harm to families who unknowingly purchase sick or poorly bred pets.
Other Bills Aimed at Puppy Mills
Two other bills stemming from The Times’ investigation are expected to pass the Legislature this week. AB 506, introduced by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura), would void pet purchase contracts involving California buyers if the pet seller requires a nonrefundable deposit. The bill would also make the pet seller liable if they fail to disclose the breeder’s name and information, as well as medical information about the animal.
SB 312, introduced by state Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Orange), would require pet sellers to share the travel certificate with the state agriculture agency, which would then make them available without redactions to the public. This bill is aimed at increasing transparency and preventing the destruction of evidence of deceptive practices. Gary Weitzman, president of San Diego Humane Society, has stated that the bills together would close dangerous loopholes exploited by those looking to profit off animals.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture has long received health certificates from other states by mistake and has made it a practice to immediately destroy them. However, after The Times’ reporting, the department began preserving the records, although they have so far released them with significant redactions. The bills are expected to pass with overwhelming bipartisan support, solidifying California’s reputation as a trailblazer in animal welfare.
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Image Source: www.latimes.com
