Success: California Set to Ban Commercially-Bred Pets in Pet Stores

Target: Patrick O’ Donnell, California State Assembly Member

Goal: Thank the California senate for unanimously deciding to pass legislation banning pet stores from selling pets from high-volume breeders.

In a rare unanimous decision, the California state senate has approved a ban on pet stores selling animals from high-volume breeders, including so-called “puppy mills.” As a result, once the bill is signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown, pet stores will be required to only sell dogs, cats and rabbits from legitimate shelters and nonprofit rescue groups. This is an extremely important decision that will go a long way toward improving animal welfare in the state, and many thanks are in order for the efforts that have gone into its passage.

Although 30 California cities have already enacted similar bans, this new legislation would extend the ban statewide, meaning that no stores would be able to source their animals from cruel high-volume breeders. Allowing stores to sell commercially-bred pets only encourages animal cruelty, as demonstrated by the number of puppy mills nationwide that over-breed female dogs and raise puppies in deplorable conditions to maximize their profits. This ban will not only shut these breeders out, but will also give thousands of homeless pets a chance of finding their forever homes.

This ban signals that the state of California is committed to animal welfare and it is a hopeful sign that more measures may be taken in the future to improve the lives of animals statewide. Sign this petition to thank the assembly member who introduced this bill and for working so tirelessly to ensure that the voice of defenseless animals be heard.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Assembly Member O’Donnell,

For too long, animals have been exploited for profit in high-volume breeding facilities. This exploitation has been driven largely through pet store sales. In banning pet stores from selling commercially-bred pets and requiring that they only sell rescue animals, the passage of bill AB 485 marks an important and compassionate decision that will ultimately save the lives of countless animals and prevent their suffering.

I wish to express my sincere thanks for your hard work in championing animal welfare and giving a voice to the voiceless. With the passage of this bill, it is hopeful that more can be done in the future to continue to improve the lives of animals in California.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: William Warby