California: Governor Newsom takes action to end the puppy mill pipeline, protect cats
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~ Los Angeles, California - In a move to protect pets and pet owners, Governor Gavin Newsom signed four bills today, three of which specifically target puppy mills. These laws build on the administration's previous efforts to improve animal welfare.

The Governor stated, "Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and it's time to shine a light on puppy mills. Greater transparency in pet purchases will bring to light abusive practices that take advantage of pets in order to exploit hopeful pet owners. Today's legislation protects both animals and Californians by addressing fraudulent pet breeding and selling practices."

One of the bills signed by Governor Newsom is AB 506, introduced by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura). This bill holds pet sellers accountable by requiring them to disclose the origin and health information of the pets they are selling. It also voids contracts that include non-refundable deposits, which often result in a bait-and-switch tactic that supports the puppy mill industry.

According to reports, 80% of sponsored pet ads may be fake. To combat this issue, AB 519 was introduced by Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) and prohibits third-party pet brokers from selling cats, puppies, and rabbits bred by others for profit in California. This bill specifically targets online pet brokers who often disguise themselves as small home breeders.

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In addition to these measures, SB 312 was signed into law by Senator Thomas Umberg (D-Santa Ana). This bill requires dog importers to submit health certificates electronically within 10 days of shipment and mandates that the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) provide these certificates upon request.

Governor Newsom also took action to protect cats by signing AB 867, introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Milpitas). This bill bans the practice of declawing cats when not medically necessary. Many other countries have already banned this practice due to the potential for pain, infection, and behavioral changes.

These new laws add to the Governor's previous efforts to protect animals and support pet owners. Last year, a law was signed to reform pet insurance and better protect pet owners. Since taking office, Governor Newsom has also signed measures to end the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in California, prohibit toxicity testing on dogs and cats, ban the sale of new fur products, prohibit the use of animals like elephants and bears in circus acts, and ban hunting, trapping, or killing bobcats.

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The Governor has also taken steps to improve animal shelter conditions and resources. The 2021-22 and 2020-21 state budgets included a total of $50 million investment for a statewide Animal Shelter Assistance Program administered by UC Davis to give the state's animal shelters the training and resources they need to work towards California's no-kill goal.

In addition to these efforts, Governor Newsom has also signed legislation mandating natural disaster evacuation plans for kennels and shelters as well as expanding microchip registration requirements for all reclaimed or adopted cats and dogs.

In other news announced today by Governor Newsom, he signed legislation aimed at improving California's home insurance market by reforming the state's insurer of last resort. He also announced significant gains in student test scores across California and signed a bill to provide improved literacy support in schools.

Furthermore, Governor Newsom took action to help restaurant owners by signing legislation that cuts red tape and makes it easier for small businesses to thrive in California. These efforts demonstrate the Governor's commitment to protecting both animals and Californians while also supporting local communities.

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