California Passes A Revolutionary Pet Store Bill

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California Passes A Revolutionary Pet Store Bill

ASPCA

California Assembly Bill 485, also know as the Pet Rescue and Adoption Act, passed the California State Senate by a vote of 38 to 0.

The bill, if it becomes a law, will ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits sourced from high-volume, commercial breeding facilities (commonly called 'mills') in all pet shops throughout the state.

While party lines have been sharply divided regarding a variety of issues, Republicans and Democrats both agreed that this was an important issue that could not be passed-over.

"I thank my Senate colleagues for their support on this critical measure and for defending the voiceless," said Assemblymember Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach)."

"AB 485 gives so many shelter animals the chance to find their forever homes, while simultaneously cutting off the outlet for puppy mill animals into our state."

However, some people don't agree...

Not everyone is happy about the bill.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council is an organization that monitors legislation affecting pets and the pet industry.

President, Mike Bober, tells the Long Beach Post that he believes "pet owners will actually lose out with regard to rights and protections."

He claims that among those protections are requirements that allow owners to be reimbursed for sick or deceased pets.

However, supporters feel that the bill does far more to protect animals and reduce cruelty:

"AB 485 is a historic bill that will reduce the demand for high volume, cruelly bred dogs, cats and rabbits [and] will allow over half a million pets normally euthanized in our shelters annually a greater chance for adoption, and again show that California is a leader in animal welfare legislation," says Judie Mancuso.

Mancuso is the founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation, which is the bill's sponsor.

After a brief vote on the Assembly Floor, the bill will pass to Governor Brown's desk for signature. If you support the bill, email, write or fax Gov. Brown and ask for his signature!

U.S. Mail: Governor Jerry Brownc/o State Capitol, Suite 1173Sacramento, CA 95814

Fax: (916) 558-3160

[h/t Long Beach Post]