On Tuesday, the San Diego Humane Society has announced its sponsorship of three new legislative bills aimed at strengthening animal welfare and consumer protection in California.
Senate Bill 312 mandates that individuals selling, transporting, or importing dogs into California for resale or transfer must submit a health certificate to the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture. These certificates will also be made publicly accessible, enhancing transparency and accountability within the pet trade. Julianna Tetlow, Senior Director of Government Relations at the San Diego Humane Society, emphasized the bill’s significance:
So that we can get a good sense, you know, over time about what the quantity is and certainly from an enforcement perspective, be able to look for any patterns of fraud or deception.
Assembly Bill 506 focuses on consumer rights, aiming to nullify contracts that impose non-refundable deposits or fail to disclose the dog’s origin prior to payment. Additionally, it requires sellers to return deposits within 30 days if a contract is voided, ensuring fair treatment for prospective pet owners.
Assembly Bill 519, authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman, seeks to close existing loopholes by defining brokers as individuals or businesses that sell, arrange, or negotiate the sale of dogs, cats, or rabbits for profit. This definition aims to enhance regulatory oversight and prevent unethical practices in the pet industry.
Tetlow explained the organization’s proactive role in shaping animal welfare policies:
It’s really important for us as we care for animals on the frontline and support our community, that we extend our reach and make sure that we are involved and engaged in advocacy efforts that will help animal wellbeing overall.
