(SACRAMENTO) – On Monday, Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D – Long Beach) introduced AB 485, which will help put an end to the inhumane puppy and kitten mills responsible for unhealthy animals and animal overpopulation.
The bill’s introduction coincides with Responsible Pet Owner Month, and promotes responsible pet purchases by prohibiting local pet stores in California from selling dogs, cats and rabbits obtained through substandard commercial breeding facilities.
“Inhumane breeding facilities are mass-producing animals for sale to the public, even as overcrowded shelters euthanize millions of dogs and cats each year,” said Assemblymember O’Donnell. “AB 485 celebrates responsible pet ownership by supporting access to rescues and pet adoptions.”
The bill’s sponsor, Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL), is a leading California-based nonprofit organization dedicated to finding solutions for the welfare, protection, and rights of animals. SCIL was instrumental in the successful passage of a similar local ordinance, which the City of Los Angeles enacted in 2012.
“With the introduction of this new bill, thousands of shelter and rescued animals will have a chance of finding their forever homes by getting out of the shelters and into store fronts,” said Judie Mancuso, President of Social Compassion in Legislation. “As California taxpayers, we spend over a quarter of a billion dollars annually to house and kill animals. We need to implement solutions and not settle for status quo for one more year.”
The bill now awaits referral to its first policy committee.
Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell represents the 70th Assembly District which includes Long Beach, Signal Hill, San Pedro and Catalina Island.
