It's Official: California Pet Stores Only Allowed To Sell Rescue Animals

Jan 10, 2019 by apost team

Puppy mills and backyard breeders have been a problem for decades. With so many animals needing forever homes, it’s devastating to see people breed simply for money without taking care of their animals.

There’s good news for animal lovers in the state of California! On the first of January in 2019, New York Times reported that it became illegal for pet stores to sell animals that have come from irresponsible breeders such as puppy mills.

The Pet Rescue and Adoption Act was signed in October of 2017, only now going into effect. This makes selling animals from puppy mills and backyard breeders impossible for California pet stores.

They now can only hold animals that come from rescue shelters or nonprofit animal groups. Up until this act was issued, 36 cities in the state of California enforced similar shelter requirements. Pet stores across California will need to maintain a list of requirements enforced by the state.

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Pet stores must now to keep a public record of each animal they plan to sell. They will also have to post where an animal was obtained on their cage. This allows the public to keep pet stores accountable.

And the best requirement yet has been that these animals will have a home for at least a year. The pet store cannot get rid of them during that time. Finding their forever home without the risk of being euthanized is a massive game-changer for these animals who need second chances.

Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in a $500 million fine for each violation. This is critical, as it will keep the pet stores from bending the rules.

With pet stores unable to sell animals from breeders, it gives our loving animals a second opportunity for a good life. Of course, people are still able to purchase from a private breeder just not through a pet store.

With pet stores not selling animals from puppy mills and backyard breeders, hopefully, the heart-wrenching undercover sellers will become obsolete. As you think about the many dogs, cats and rabbits that need loving forever homes please pass the word along.

In order to make a better life for our devoted furry friends, we need to educate ourselves. Shelter animals in the state of California now have a chance for redemption. Let's make the best of it!

What do you think about this new legislation? Do you think this should be enforced in other places outside California too? Let us know your thoughts - and go ahead and pass this along to your friends and family to keep the conversation going!