The new legislation that came into effect in California on January 1 means that pets stores are only allowed to sell cats, dogs and rabbits only if they came from a shelter or not-for-profit rescue organisation.
California is the first state to introduce legislation banning the sale of pet animals from private breeders. It has been touted as being the end of puppy mills and kitten factories, where unscrupulous back-yard breeders churn out multiple animals with little regard for welfare.
Each pet store must maintain records to show the source of every cat, dog and rabbit it sells or provides space for, with a $500 fine for every animal that breaches the act.
The California assembly member - Patrick O'Donnell has insisted the new legislation firmly places emphasis on animal welfare and reducing the number of animals in shelters. He claims the act takes the emphasis off the profit of pets and instead is concerned with caring for the pets and getting them a good home.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 1.5 million animals per year are put down whilst 6.5 million enter shelters each year.
The Pet Rescue and Adoption Act only applies to pets stores in California. Members of the public are still able to purchase puppies, kittens and rabbits from private sellers.
However, it is hoped that the act will reduce the number of unscrupulous breeders who are focused solely on profit, whilst reducing the number of pets that enter and remain in shelters.
News in the same category
Following a successful launch on the West Coast, the plant-based Impossible Burger is set to arrive on the East Coast.
If you are from Chicago and a fan of Krispy Kreme, you should like this – Krispy Kreme is making a return to the Windy City after a hiatus of more than a decade.
Concord has a brand new chicken shop in town, with the newly established eatery Fresh Tray having opened on Salvio St. With a simple menu offering made to order burgers, chicken and sides, Fresh Tray offers a fast-casual eatery for the residents to enjoy.
In-N-Out Burger store may not be globally as household a name as its competitors McDonald’s and KFC, but it certainly has a massive fan base in America.
