Bill > SB1789

This bill modifies existing Arizona law regarding pet dealers, which are businesses that sell pets. Key changes include increasing the potential civil penalties for violations of pet dealer regulations, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses, and allowing state, city, town, or county governments to enforce these regulations. The bill also clarifies and strengthens prohibitions on pet stores and dealers obtaining dogs and cats from individuals or entities that have violated United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations under the Animal Welfare Act, specifically by tightening the criteria for "indirect violations" and removing a previous presumption of good faith for dealers who checked USDA inspection reports. Furthermore, pet dealers will now be required to submit their records related to acquiring dogs and cats to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, and they must display more detailed information about the source of animals for sale, including the breeder's name, USDA license number if applicable, and the USDA website address for further information, on both the animal's enclosure and all marketing materials. Finally, the bill clarifies that while state law generally preempts local regulations on pet dealers, local governments can enforce the specific provisions of section 44-1799.10, which deals with prohibitions on dog and cat purchases, and related penalties.