California Governor Jerry Brown Signs Bill Banning Mill-Bred Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits in Pet Stores

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- California Governor Jerry Brown signed a monumental bill banning the sale of mill-bred dogs, cats, and rabbits in California pet stores. AB 485 is the first statewide bill to ban these practices.

AB 485 stemmed from smaller local initiatives throughout California cities such as Sacramento, San Diego, and West Hollywood. After discovering the state's spend of $250 million annually to house and euthanize animals in California shelters, the bill was introduced by assembly members Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach) and Matt Dababneh (D-Woodland Hills), and sponsored by Social Compassion In Legislation (SCIL).

Healthy Spot, a premium pet retailer committed to fostering awareness of humane animal treatment, was at the frontline of this battle. Founder and CEO Andrew Kim spoke in support of the Bill at both the Assembly and Senate this year.

"I am thrilled to hear that AB 485 is now California law and codifies the best business practice of a humane pet store. We know this humane model can be successful because this is how we have operated our stores since day one and are thriving without the need to sell a single animal.  

Now banning an outdated business practice of selling pets will positively impact our community, reduce overcrowding in the shelters and provide more adoption options through rescue partners. Making AB 485 the law was the right and smart business decision for California so that our pets, businesses and communities can benefit," said Andrew Kim, Founder and CEO, Healthy Spot.

On January 1, 2019, AB 485 will become effective and enforce the following regulations:

• The sale of dogs, cats, or rabbits in pet stores in California is prohibited.
• All adoptable pets need sufficient documentation about their 501 (c)(3) source.
• All pet stores must visibly display a sign disclosing the 501 (c)(3) source the animal came from.
• A pet store operator who violates these regulations is subject to a civil penalty of $500 per animal and charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense.

"In banning the sale of mill-bred animals, California took a bold step forward," said Judie Mancuso, Founder and CEO, Social Compassion in Legislation. "The deplorable conditions that animals suffer in these high-volume breeding facilities are not a secret and now they have a champion in California."

About Healthy Spot: 

Healthy Spot was founded by Andrew Kim and Mark Boonnark in 2008 following the pet food recall.  Healthy Spot ensures every stocked product meets a stringent pre-selection criteria for premium quality of ingredients, procurement, and manufacturing.  All products are organic, natural, and/or eco-friendly. In addition to products, Healthy Spot offers full-service grooming and daycare.  Healthy Spot is committed to inspiring healthy pet lifestyles by creating authentic experiences and fostering community, one pet at a time. 

Media Contact: Alexis Wirth [email protected] (714)501-6551

SOURCE Healthy Spot

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