CA AB 485 heads to the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee to be heard on June 26, 2017.
AB 485 would prohibit pet store sales of healthy pets from humane, regulated sources. Instead, retail pet stores would be limited to offering "rescued" pets from unregulated and often unscrupulous sources. Californians already have a shortage of adoptable dogs, and the proliferation of "rescues" trafficked in from other states and even other countries has recently resulted in an outbreak of dangerous canine influenza.
Rescued animals have a high incidence of illnesses, particularly infectious diseases. Puppies and kittens which are forcibly funneled through a shelter or rescue environment prior to placement are exposed at the most vulnerable age to viruses which cause serious illness and even death. Without the ability to obtain healthy vaccinated pets with documented health histories, pet store owners would soon go broke because they are mandated by law to pay veterinary bills or refunds in excess of the original sale price when pets they sell develop illness.
Californians deserve to have a choice when it comes to their next pet. We deserve first and foremost a healthy pet, but each family also deserve the right to choose the breed that is right for them. When was the last time you looked in the newspaper and found puppies for sale? Breeding laws in the state have become so onerous that there are few puppies available at any price from private parties; and now, if pet stores cannot obtain healthy puppies from humane, regulated breeders, our choice is virtually eliminated.
Say yes to healthy pets. Say yes to consumer protections and consumer choice. NO ON AB 485. Contact the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee to register opposition by phone at 916-651-4104 or by fax at 916-286-9343.
Read the AKC alert with contact information for the Committee members here.
