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
When FDA revealed that a cheese factory filled its so-called Parmesan with wood pulp and low-cost cheeses (none of them being Parmesan), Bloomberg decided to investigate a little further.
It’s very much your neighborhood grocery store, passed down from father to son and grandson. But it’s much more than that.
Starbucks is no stranger to innovation and their ability to think outside of the proverbial box has allowed the company to become an international sensation.
Los Angeles has been chosen as the location for 'Rice Box' - a great new Cantonese-style shop that provides rice boxes to go for busy people in downtown LA but with an emphasis on good quality food.
