(SACRAMENTO) - Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) introduced AB 506 to increase transparency from online pet brokers on the original source of a pet. This bill is part of a legislative package aimed at stopping the puppy mill pipeline, including AB 519 (Berman) and SB 312 (Umberg).
California has made concerted efforts to disrupt the lucrative puppy mill industry, the operations of which have been underpinned by online brokers. These anonymous sellers leverage steep nonrefundable deposits against consumers as a paywall to withhold where they've acquired the animal and the conditions in which it was raised.
With the LA Times reporting that nearly 88,000 dogs have been imported into California since 2018, the underground puppy trade has exploited countless families and their collective hope to open their homes to these animals. AB 506 protects consumers by prohibiting nonrefundable deposits and mandating transparency from sellers regarding the origins of a dog/cat.
Assemblymember Steve Bennett said "Choosing our fur-ever companions is a meaningful, life-changing process. Families are entitled to know where their new dog/cat comes from, and the conditions in which their pet grew up. By requiring sellers to provide more information up front and prohibiting the use of non-refundable deposits as a 'paywall', this bill will empower families in the adoption process."
"Consumers deserve complete transparency about the flood of puppies entering our state—this is not just about protecting people from unhealthy pets, but about stopping the cruel pipeline from puppy mills," said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. "These bills are critical to closing dangerous loopholes in California's pet sales ban, and they will help us shut down the inhumane practices that exploit animals for profit."
"California has long been a leader in animal welfare, including being the first state to stop puppy mills from selling through their largest outlet – pet stores. Unfortunately, puppy mills shut out from the retail market still ship puppies into California using deceptive websites and middlemen," said Brittany Benesi, senior legislative director for the ASPCA, Western division. "Together, the three bills introduced by Senator Umberg, Assemblymember Berman, and Assemblymember Bennett address the pet industry's most deceptive tactics to prevent them from profiting off of unsuspecting consumers looking to add a new pet to their family, and expand on California's commitment to ending the puppy mill pipeline for good."
At a time when California shelters are overflowing with adoptable puppies, kittens, dogs and cats, SB 312, AB 506 and AB 519 will provide transparency in the sales process and protect both consumers and animals alike. All three measures will be heard in policy committees in March or April.
Assemblymember Bennett has been a longtime supporter of Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) since his time on the Board of Supervisors. He continues to collaborate with VCAS for their Clear the Shelters event held annually in August.
Steve Bennett represents the 38th Assembly District, which includes Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Ventura. He is chair of the Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Change, Natural Resources, Energy and Transportation.
CONTACT: Michelle.Sevilla@asm.ca.gov
Media Feed:
Downloadable Links
Puppy mill B-roll link
Press conference highlight reel on Vimeo
Press conference photos on Google Drive
Photos Below:
Event: Puppy Mill Presser
Photographer: Christian Anguiano
Photo Courtesy: Assembly Democratic Caucus
Figure 1 - Assemblymember Bennett (left), Assembymember Berman (middle), and Senator Umberg (right) holding rescue dogs
Figure 2 - Assemblymember Bennett with legislators, staff, and bill package sponsors.
Figure 3 - Assemblymember Bennett speaking at podium with puppy mill stakeholders.