Last year the Los Angeles Times published a multi-year investigation into fraudulent business practices in the importation of dogs into the state for resale. In response, three bills were introduced in the state Legislature that seek to address the issues addressed in the article.
The following is the latest status on the package of bills introduced to address brokers. AKC Government Relations has been working with the authors and other stakeholders to secure amendments to address questions and concerns raised with the bills. We will continue to monitor any new developments or changes to bills that could impact you.
Supported by AKC:
- Assembly Bill 506 – Pets: sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Status: Passed the state Assembly; before the state Senate for consideration.
Summary: AB 506 expands consumer protection rights for pet buyers in the state. AKC has worked extensively on the bill with the author and stakeholders to expand consumer protection provisions so that all sellers – including breeders and rescues – will be required to provide certain information regarding the dog’s health and background at the time of sale.
Monitored by AKC:
- Senate Bill 312 – Dog importation: health certificates.
Status: Unanimously passed the state Senate; before the state Assembly for consideration.
Summary: This bill mandates health certificates for dogs imported for resale, shifts submission to the state Department of Food and Agriculture, and requires public access to these records. After concerns and questions raised by the AKC and clubs, the bill as written does redact certain specific identifying information from immediate public access. AKC will continue to work with the bill’s author to protect privacy rights for both buyers and sellers of dogs imported into California.
- Assembly Bill 519 – Pet broker sales.
Status: Unanimously passed the state Assembly; before the state Senate for consideration.
Summary: AB 519 prohibits brokers (those who sell dogs bred by another for profit) from selling or facilitating the sale of dogs under one year of age, cats, or rabbits (with exceptions for service and police dogs and dogs sold to government agencies). The bill has been amended to clarify that the definition of “broker” does not include those transferring up to 3 dogs a year they personally own, addressing questions raised about whether an owner could ever be considered a broker if money were exchanged when transferring a personally-owned dog. AKC believes that AB 506 is a better solution, which does not prohibit certain sellers, but instead expands consumer protection.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor bills in California impacting dog owners and will provide updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.