In 2017, California passed a law that limited consumer choice in the state by banning the sales of dogs and cats at pet stores, unless they are sourced from a shelter or rescue.
Since this went into effect, there have been concerns expressed by supporters of the law that loopholes remain. As a result, the Assembly Businesses and Professions Committee will consider AB 2152 on May 21, which places the following additional restrictions and provisions:
- A total ban on the sale of dogs and cats by pet stores – they may only provide space to showcase animals for adoption
- The animals displayed may only be from a public animal control agency or shelter, or a rescue
- Rescues permitted to showcase animals at pet stores must be 501(c)(3) and not breed animals, obtain animals from a breeder or broker, have any personnel in common with a breeder, or be on the same premises as a breeder. In addition, the rescue may not facilitate sales of animals obtained from a breeder.
- All animals must be sterilized and the adoption fees may not exceed $500
While AKC understands the concern with “retail rescue”, there is also a concern that the bill implies that breeders should not be involved in rescue work. This undermines the wonderful work done by AKC parent clubs, local clubs, and responsible breeders who are dedicated to their breeds and often work to ensure dogs in need of rescue get the care and rehoming they may need.
AKC also continues to express concerns with the underlying law, which limits consumer choice and eliminates consumer protection without truly ensuring the health and welfare of dogs in California. Read AKC’s position statement on Pet Choice for more talking points.
What You Can Do:
Those who reside or participate in rescue activities in California are encouraged to contact the Assembly Business and Professions Committee and comment on Assembly Bill 2152 prior to the hearing date on May 21, 2020. Information on how to call in and testify at the hearing will be provided closer to May 21.
The committee contact information is as follows:
Evan Low (Chair)
Phone: (916) 319-2028
Email form
William Brough (Vice Chair)
Phone: (916) 319-2073
Email Form
Dr. Joaquin Arambula
Phone: (916) 319-2031
Email Form
Richard Bloom
Phone: (916) 319-2050
Email Form
Phillip Chen
Phone: (916) 319-2055
Email Form
David Chiu
Phone: (916) 319-2017
Email Form
Jordan Cunningham
Phone: (916) 319-2035
Email Form
Susan Talamantes Eggman
Phone: (916) 319-2013
Email Form
Vince Fong
Phone: (916) 319-2034
Email Form
Mike Gipson
Phone: (916) 319-2064
Email Form
Todd Gloria
Phone: (916) 319-2078
Email Form
Timothy Grayson
Phone: (916) 319-2014
Email Form
Chris Holden
Phone: (916) 319-2041
Email Form
Jacqui Irwin
Phone: (916) 319-2044
Email Form
Kevin McCarty
Phone: (916) 319-2007
Email Form
Jose Medina
Phone: (916) 319-2061
Email Form
Kevin Mullin
Phone: (916) 319-2022
Email Form
Jay Obernolte
Phone: (916) 319-2033
Email Form
Philip Ting
Phone: (916) 319-2019
Email Form
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this and all California legislation and provide updates as they are available. For more information, contact AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.