Last Chance for Animals Commends California Legislature for Passing Assembly Bill 485 and Urges Governor Brown to Sign Bill Into Law

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14, 2017 -- Last Chance for Animals (LCA) commends the California legislature for passing Assembly Bill 485, new legislation that will ban the sale of commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits. The bill, which unanimously passed the Senate on September 13 and is on its way to Governor Brown, will mark the first statewide retail pet sales ban in the United States.

“The California legislature’s passage of Assembly Bill 485 is a landmark victory and one that we have championed for decades,” said Chris DeRose, Last Chance for Animals president and founder. “We are elated that our home state is leading the way on this important issue. Requiring pet stores to sell only rescue and shelter animals is a bold venture -- but one that will help rehome some of the six million unwanted animals that enter shelters each year.”

“Most of the dogs sold in pet stores come from puppy mills where they often live in filthy conditions and suffer from serious health concerns,” said DeRose. “LCA has been dedicated to exposing this truth, educating pet store owners about how they contribute to the problem and supporting those who wish to transition to a humane model. Our ‘Puppy Mill Free Stores’ campaign led to Los Angeles becoming home to the nation’s first humane pet shop.” 

California Assembly Bill 485 amends the state’s Food and Agricultural Code and Health and Safety Code relating to public health. On and after January 1, 2019, pet store operators will be prohibited from selling any live dog, cat or rabbit in a pet store unless the animal was obtained from a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group. Pet stores will be required to maintain records that document the source of each animal it sells for at least one year, and to post on the cage or enclosure of each animal, a sign that lists the name of the entity from which each animal was obtained. Public animal control agencies and shelters will be authorized to periodically review those records. Pet store operators who violate the bill’s provisions will be subject to a civil penalty of $500.

About Last Chance for Animals
Last Chance for Animals (LCA) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating animal exploitation through education, investigations, legislation, and public awareness campaigns. Since its formation in 1984, LCA has succeeded as one of the nation’s pioneer animal advocacy organizations. LCA’s educational and public outreach programs have empowered others to make positive changes for animals.  For more information, visit www.lcanimal.org or follow @LC4A on Twitter.

Media Contact: Arron Neal
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