The Nevada Senate Natural Resources Committee is considering a bill (Assembly Bill 487) that would ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats, in a hearing on Monday March 31.
The bill also prohibits the sale or transfer of dogs or cats in public places and at swap meets, with certain exceptions for animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Summary and Talking Points:
Assembly Bill 487 prohibits retail pet stores from selling, offering to sell, bartering, auctioning, or otherwise transferring ownership of any dog or cat. Violations of this prohibition are classified as misdemeanors, and courts may impose additional penalties, including prohibiting the sale of dogs or cats by the violator for up to one year. The bill allows retail pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters or rescue organizations for adoption purposes, provided no compensation is received for showcasing the animals. AKC is concerned this limits the opportunity for residents to purchase a pet from a licensed, regulated entity and removes consumer protection. Visit AKC’s Legislative Action Center for more talking points on this issue.
The bill also prohibits the sale or transfer of dogs or cats in public places and at swap meets, with certain exceptions for animal shelters and rescue organizations. AKC is asking for an amendment for previously-arranged sales or transfers taking place on a public site (for example, a breeder and new owner who previously met regarding the sale of a dog could arrange a convenient meeting place to transfer the dog). We are also recommending language similar to that recently adopted in Colorado to exempt transfers at dog shows and similar events.
What You Can Do:
If you would like to include your comments for Assembly Bill 487 ahead of the March 31 hearing, you can do so here. Next, on the webpage, click the “Opinions” box in the top right corner of the page to submit your comments.
Details of hearing:
4 PM, Monday, March 31
401 South Carson Street
Carson City, NV
Room 3143
To provide public comments remotely: dial (888) 475-4499 on the date of the meeting. When prompted, provide Meeting ID 85274105746 and then press #. When prompted for a Participant ID, press #.
AKC Government Relations continues to monitor bills in Nevada impacting dog owners and will provide updates. For questions or more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.