If it pushes an industry underground, is it still a good idea? That is the dilemma Californians will soon find out. AB 485 went into effect at the beginning of this year, and makes California the first state to require pet stores to only sell rescues when it comes to dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Sale of newborn animals is a big business in all parts of the country. Demand drives up supply, and as of today, there are about 10,000 puppy mills active in the U.S. Some of these mills are motivated only by money, and have been known to house inhumane breeding situations for many of these desired young animals, including squalor and animal mistreatment.
Opponents Think Law Will Increase Puppy Broker Market
For those pet store owners that wonder whether such a bill is illegal, in violation of any commerce clauses, the answer is no. Many cities, both in California and other states, have such a law, and the topic has been adequately adjudicated.
Law May Increase Load on Humane Societies
Another unintended affect this bill may have is shuttering all live-pet stores in California. The state has already seen a drop in storefronts, due to the rise of puppy brokers. According to some live-pet store owners, the sale of newborn animals is much more lucrative than rescues, which are normally sold for a very low profit. Forbidding the sale of these more profitable animals may cause live-pet stores to close. This would mark the end of a very convenient outlet for people to buy rescue animals, which may serve to backup supply, and undoubtedly euthanasia, at local humane societies.
Related Resources:
- Is Animal Neglect a Crime? (FindLaw Blotter)
- What Is Considered Animal Cruelty Under the Law? (FindLaw Blotter)
- Gifting Dogs, Cats, or Other Pets: Are There Legal Risks? (FindLaw Law and Daily Life)
You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help
Civil Rights
Block on Trump’s Asylum Ban Upheld by Supreme Court
Criminal
Judges Can Release Secret Grand Jury Records
Politicians Can’t Block Voters on Facebook, Court Rules
