As of New Year's Day, it is illegal to sell puppies, kittens and any other animals on public property, including street corners and boardwalks, across California.Supporters of Senate Bill 917 say it closes a loophole that was snagging buyers.
"The problem is if these animals get sick ... you have no way to get back in touch with (the sellers)," said Tanya Brandon. "These animals are very often bred in poor conditions like puppy mills, are not vaccinated and sometimes under the legal 8 weeks of age."
Animal Control officials encourage the public to visit a seller's home before buying a puppy or kitten, or to buy an animal from a local shelter or rescue group like Tanya’s Adoption Network 4 Young Animals, Inc. (T.A.N.Y.A.’s).SB 917 was introduced by Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown this summer.
It outlaws the sale, and the advertisement for sale, of live animals along "any (public) street, highway, public right-of-way, parking lot, carnival or boardwalk."
The law does not apply to the sale of animals on any private property, said Ray Sotero, Lieu's spokesman.And many PETCO and PetSmart stores have bona fide animal rescues like T.A.N.Y.A.’s as pet adoption partners, situations which will hopefully find a bump in the legal sort of activity this year.
The first offense is subject to a $250 fine; a second offense would amount to a misdemeanor, subject to a $1,000 fine, according to the bill.
While the new law addresses some problems, it doesn't prevent people from giving animals away for free in front of Stater Bros or along roads.
Tanya's Adoption Network 4 Young Animals, Inc. (T.A.N.Y.A.'s, Inc.)
"Finding loving homes for lonely pets..... one at a time".
Tanya's is a non profit 501(c)3 Donations can be made here.
Come visit us at the Adoption Shows at the PETCO in Redlands every Friday from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Saturday from 3 pm to 8 pm. Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. PETCO 27580 Lugonia Ave. Redlands, Ca. 92374 We also do adoptions from our home in Phelan, weekdays, by appointment 1-909-522-3333 We are located in the High Desert, Phelan, next to Wrightwood and Hesperia.
