This bid sounds promising but there are many questions. Could the proposal put legitimate breeders out of business if one of their most vital sources of income has been made unlawful? And while we have heard horror stories about puppy mills what does Bill 485 really do?
Bill 485, commonly known as the Pet Rescue & Adoption Act, seeks to make it unlawful for retail stores to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits unless the animal was obtained from a public animal control agency or shelter, SPCA shelter, Humane Society Shelter, or other 501(c)(3) rescue organization.
The bill, which was designed to target puppy mills and backyard breeders, and also to cut down on the vast number of animals that are euthanized in California shelters every year, promises to deliver a blow to the puppy mill industry based on huge success in Los Angeles.
“L.A.’s 2012 ordinance to prohibit pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits that do not come from shelters or rescues has struck a blow against the puppy mill industry. We believe it is also increasing pet adoptions at our local shelters, which means pet shops are becoming a part of the solution, not the problem, in combating pet overpopulation,” said Los Angeles City Council Member Paul Koretz.
Animal advocate press the needs of shelter animals, those who might never have a chance and will have to be euthanized, over the churning out of supposed pure bred pooches. Some of the unmixed pups, they claim, are unhealthy – despite their pedigree – because of frequent inbreeding and/or from a mother who is constantly pressed into service, having a new litter of puppies before she is healthy enough to do so.
To see a full list of cities with active bans and if you live in California and want more information please check out The Dogington Post.
