Online Companion Animal Sales Restrictions (California)
A.B. 2248
This bill invalidates a contract for the purchase of a dog or cat if the contract requires a nonrefundable deposit and does not identify the original source of the animal, including the name of the breeder.
Status
The Animal Legal Defense Fund supports this bill.
Sponsors: Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-76)
Introduction Date: February 8, 2024
If enacted, A.B. 2248 would void a contract for the sale of a dog or cat if it requires a nonrefundable deposit and doesn’t disclose the origin of the dog or cat, including the breeder. The bill also requires the animal seller to return money to the buyer within 30 days if the contract is voided.
Retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits are unlawful in California; however, the commercial companion animal sales industry has shifted online. Misleading marketing tactics, predatory financial behaviors, and a gap in regulations are allowing online brokers to take advantage of consumers and allowing puppy mills to continue to reach Californians who are searching for a new animal companion.
Why is this law important?
In short, A.B. 2248 will help further California’s commitment to ending the puppy mill pipeline of animals being sold by unscrupulous and inhumane commercial breeders.
Coalition Support: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
For more information about animal protection legislation in California and opportunities to take action for animals, visit aldf.org/california.
