Bill > AB519

This bill prohibits pet brokers from selling, offering for sale, or making available for adoption dogs, cats, or rabbits, with some specific exemptions. The bill defines a broker as any person or business that sells, arranges, negotiates, or processes the sale of animals bred by another for profit, which includes facilitating animal transfers for financial gain. The legislation expands on existing pet protection laws by providing clear definitions for key terms such as "animal rescue group" (a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status focused on animal rescue) and "public animal control agency or shelter" (a governmental facility for impounding or housing stray or unwanted animals). Importantly, the bill includes exemptions for governmental agencies selling animals, transfers of guide or service dogs, public and private animal shelters, animal rescue groups, and nonprofit organizations engaged in youth animal care education. This legislation appears aimed at preventing commercial pet brokering and encouraging animal adoption through established shelters and rescue organizations, while protecting consumers and animal welfare.

Business and Industry

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB519