Last year the Los Angeles Times published a multi-year investigation into fraudulent business practices regarding 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. All three bills have passed the Legislature and are on their way to Governor Gavin Newsom for a decision. The governor has until October 12 to sign or veto each bill.
AKC Government Relations thanks the authors and sponsors of the bills for their outreach with stakeholders throughout the state, including the American Kennel Club. To comment on any of the three bills to the governor, you can do so here.
As always, we will continue to monitor any new developments or changes to bills that could impact you.
Supported by AKC:
Summary: AB 506 expands consumer protection rights for pet buyers in the state. AKC 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. The Bill expands protections and recourse for buyers of dogs.
Summary: This bill continues to mandate health certificates for dogs imported for resale, but shifts submission to the state Department of Food and Agriculture, and requires public access (through the Department) to these records.
Note: After privacy concerns were raised by the AKC and local clubs, this bill no longer includes a public-facing website for health certificates.
Monitored by AKC:
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 also limits how animal rescues can obtain animals by forbidding exchanging money or other compensation to breeders or brokers of animals. Further, 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 by AKC about whether an owner could ever be considered a broker if money were exchanged when transferring a personally-owned dog.
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.