AB-485 Bill: Paving the path to a brighter future for animals

The state of California recently passed a bill that will fine pet store operators if they sell animals that aren't from shelters.

California taxpayers pay over $250 million a year for animal control, which includes the thousands of animals being euthanized. Across the U.S. over 1.5 million companion animals are euthanized, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This bill, AB-485, that was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown aims to prevent puppy mills and decrease the overcrowded shelter population. The AB-485 bill goes into effect after January 1, 2019.

Pet store operators will be required to document the source of dogs, cats, and rabbits and have placed notification of where the animal is from on their cage. If the animals aren’t associated with the ASPCA, public animal control agency, humane society or rescue group, they will be fined a civil penalty $500 for each animal. To further decrease the population of companion animals these organizations spay or neuter the pets, which is required by law.

This bill aims to ensure that animals are treated humanely, save taxpayers money and decrease the shelter animal population.

Animals for Armed Forces works directly with shelters when pets are adopted during their event scheduled Memorial Day 2018. The organization pays the adoption fees at participating shelters for current and former service members.