While there is already a ban on Puppy Mills in several major cities in California, officials have taken animal welfare one step further by signing in a new law. In the hopes of preventing mass breeding, the law will require Pet Stores to only sell cats, dogs and rabbits from reputable animal shelters and pet rescue organizations. This makes California the first U.S. state to ban the sale of pets from puppy mills.

New law to put puppy mills out of business

Puppy mills, or mass animal breeding facilities, have been the source of much criticism for their poor treatment of animals and filthy, overcrowded conditions.

Over-breeding of the animals at the puppy mills has led to poor health and abhorrent treatment of the animals concerned. Animals are forced to live in unsanitary conditions, usually in small cages, and without the proper veterinary care and socialization. They also lack sufficient food and water.

Animals who are raised in puppy mills often suffer from severe health problems, including congenital defects and contagious diseases. Due to lack of socialization, they also suffer from behavioral and psychological problems.

So far 36 Californian cities have placed a ban on puppy mills, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, but the new law takes animal welfare one step further in ensuring animals will not only have the best treatment, but also gives rescue animals a better chance of finding a fur-ever home.

According to a video report by Newsy, any pet store violating the new law will be fined $500.

Business Insider quotes Matt Bershadker, CEO and President of the ASPCA, as saying the new landmark law will seek to break the supply chain from puppy mills that has led to unscrupulous breeders profiting from abusing animals.

The new law is fully supported by the many national and local animal welfare groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, San Diego Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Society and the San Francisco SPCA.

The ASPCA says around 6.5 million animals are placed in animal shelters each year, nationwide. Those shelters are then reportedly forced to euthanize around 1.5 million animals each year. The new law should help to bring these numbers down.

American Kennel Club against the new legislation

However, as reported by Newsy, not everyone is in support of the new law. They quote an American Kennel Club official as saying this would block California pet lovers from purchasing animals from professional, ethical and licensed commercial breeders.
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