This bill prohibits pet shops from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits and repeals the existing Pet Purchase Protection Act. The legislation emphasizes the importance of adopting homeless animals from shelters and rescue organizations, asserting that the sale of these animals in pet shops is unnecessary given the availability of adoptable pets. It also aims to protect consumers by defining "unfit for purchase" and establishing penalties for breeders or brokers who knowingly sell unhealthy animals. A fine of $500 is imposed for each violation of the prohibition against selling these animals in pet shops.

Additionally, the bill allows pet shops to collaborate with animal rescue organizations, shelters, or pounds to showcase animals available for adoption, provided no compensation is exchanged. It clarifies that existing laws regarding pet dealers not classified as pet shops remain unchanged and that municipalities retain the authority to impose further regulations on pet shops and animal sales. The bill also includes definitions for key terms such as "breeder," "broker," and "consumer," and ensures that the rights of consumers purchasing animals from pet dealers are preserved.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:19-15.8