California becomes the first state in the nation to require that all cats, dogs and rabbits in pet stores be obtained from a shelter or rescue group.
Known as The Golden State, California is about to embark on a golden era of animal welfare thanks to the passing of Bill 485: The Pet Rescue and Adoption Act!
Beginning January 1, 2019 all California pet stores will be allowed to ONLY showcase adoptable cats, dogs and rabbits from animal shelters and rescue groups or face $500 in penalties for each animal in their care who was not acquired from a rescue. This will help to put an end to the plight of puppy mill dogs and pups and kittens sold by backyard breeders in the state, and to lower the number of cats, kittens, dogs and puppies who lose their lives in California’s overcrowded shelter system.
Actress/Peace 4 Animals founder Katie Cleary:
A proud pet parent to two rescue dogs, Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell– a co-author of the bill which he introduced in February 2017– stated that the act is a win for both companion animals in need and “…also to California taxpayers who spend more than $250 million annually to house and euthanize animals in our shelters.”
Shortly after Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law, model/actress Katie Cleary (the founder of World Animal News and the animal welfare organization Peace 4 Animals) and The Real Housewives of Miami star Joanna Krupa (the co-founder of Animals for Animals Rescue) helped to shine a spotlight on the happy news as they took part in a press conference at the Los Angeles branch of Healthy Spot, a humane pet store which stocks eco-friendly toys and products.
The press conference included appearances not only by Katie Cleary and Joanna Krupa, but also television journalist Jane Velez-Mitchell, animal rights activist/reality star Simone Reyes and Assemblyman Matt Dababneh, the bill’s principal co-author:
California is the first state in the nation to require that all cats, dogs and rabbits in pet stores be obtained from a shelter or rescue group.
Katie Cleary and Social Compassion in Legislation founder and president Judie Mancuso explain The Pet Rescue and Adoption Act in the following Tweet:
WAN at the Press Conference for Pet Rescue & Adoption Act in CA, which requires all pet shops to adopt out animals from rescues or shelters. pic.twitter.com/0tFBrGtZbd
— World Animal News (@WorldAnimalNews) October 18, 2017
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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