Next year, California pet stores will no longer be allowed to buy from breeders, or from “puppy mills,” which raise animals in poor conditions for profit. Instead, the shops will have to source their animals from shelters and rescues. The act specifies that pet store operators can sell dogs, cats and rabbits only from a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group in cooperation with an animal shelter.
Erica Gaudet Hughes with the California Animal Welfare Association said many stores already work with such groups to host adoption events. Under the new law, the store could instead take ownership of the animal and resell it. However, Hughes does not expect this option will be popular, and said she is worried about a possible loophole.
“Fake rescues that form that are actually servicing animals from puppy mills in a way to get around the law,” Hughes said. “If that emerges as a problem, we’ll need to seek a change in law.”
Under legislation going into effect on Jan. 1, store operators will have to be able to provide records of origin for the animals or face a $500 penalty per animal.
The Pet Rescue and Adoption Act was introduced by assembly member Patrick O’Donnell and signed into law by California Governor Jerry Brown in October 2017. While stores are prohibited from buying private breeders under the new law, individuals are still allowed to do so.
By: Maytinee Kramer
