Sacramento, CA — On the heels of last Friday’s signature of SB 1806, which makes it a crime for owners to leave pets unattended in vehicles during dangerous conditions, the Animal Protection Institute urges Gov. Schwarzenegger’s signature of AB 2862, which would increase protections for animals sold in pet shops.
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“We thank Gov. Schwarzenegger for his consistent demonstration of care for companion animals in California,” says Barbara Schmitz, API’s Government Affairs Coordinator. “We urge signature of AB 2862 so that the animals in retail stores, who have yet to find loving homes, also receive adequate care and protection.”
AB 2862 has undergone revisions but is a significant step in the right direction for protecting pets and consumers. If signed by the Governor, AB 2862 would direct the California Department of Consumer Affairs to establish basic care standards for all pet stores selling live animals. In its original form AB 2862 set forth specific animal care and sanitation requirements for pet shops without the involvement of the state agency.
Care standards in the original bill were based on successful regulations in other states and on veterinarian recommendations and scientific findings that reveal that simple improvements can make a big difference to the health and welfare of animals commonly sold in pet shops. This information will be made available to assist the Department of Consumer Affairs should AB 2862 be signed into law.
“I authored this legislation because the industry’s troubled past clearly signals that the pet store industry needs regulation to ensure proper care of animals,” says Assemblymember Mark Ridley-Thomas, who introduced AB 2862. “Other states have taken the lead on this issue and California needs to catch up.”
“AB 2862 will remove the incentive for pet stores to cut corners in animal care in order to advance their bottom line,” says Schmitz. “It is not too much to expect that the state require pet stores to provide veterinary care to sick and injured animals, clean bowls and cages, and cages that permit the animals to move around comfortably.”
Examples of animal and consumer protection issues revealed by API’s recent investigation of California pet stores include sick puppies kept in pens contaminated by manure runoff from other animals; injured animals, including birds with severe head trauma; and animals suffering from obvious illnesses that can be transmitted to humans, all available for sale.
AB 2862 is endorsed by groups representing more than 1.4 million California supporters, including the California Animal Control Directors Association, California Animal Association, Sacramento SPCA, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Humane Society of the United States, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and Avian Welfare Coalition.
API is a national nonprofit animal advocacy organization working to end animal cruelty and exploitation through legislation, litigation and public education. API is the sponsor of SB 1806 and AB 2862. For more information, visit www.api4animals.org.
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Contact:
Zibby Wilder, Animal Protection Institute, 916-447-3085 x205