On Tuesday, California lawmakers passed a bill that, they hope, will finally put an end to the cruel practice of commercial dog, cat, and rabbit breeding in the state.
Following in the highly successful footsteps of 35 cities across the state, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and, most recently, San Francisco, California lawmakers voted in a remarkable 38 to 0 victory to pass a bill that would ban the sale of non-rescued dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail stores statewide.
Bill 485, commonly known as the Pet Rescue & Adoption Act, makes it unlawful for retail stores to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits unless the animal was obtained from a public animal control agency or shelter, SPCA shelter, Humane Society Shelter, or other 501(c)(3) rescue organization.
The bill, which was designed to target puppy mills and backyard breeders, and also to cut down on the vast number of animals that are euthanized in California shelters every year, promises to deliver a blow to the puppy mill industry based on huge success in Los Angeles.
“Most Californians agree that we need to put the brakes on the mass breeding of animals who end up in local shelters, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars to care for and eventually euthanize,” said Sen. Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton). “AB 485 will take the puppy mills out of pet stores and give shelter animals a better chance of being adopted.”
Under the new law, individuals can still buy animals from licensed breeders, but retails shops can not sell them – they are only permitted to adopt out animals that come from shelters, Humane Societies and registered rescue groups.
The bill will now go to back to the Assembly Floor for a concurrence vote on the amendments adopted in the Senate where it is expected to pass on Friday. Following that vote, it will head to California Governor Jerry Brown’s desk for a signature.
California residents and supporters are encouraged to email, write or fax Governor Brown and urge him to sign the bill.
Contact information is as follows:
• Email: leg.unit@gov.ca.gov
• U.S. Mail:
Governor Jerry Brown
c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
•Fax: (916) 558-3160
Would you welcome this same legislation in your own state? Please weigh in with a comment below!
