On Oct. 13, Governor of California Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 485, restricting all pet stores in California from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits that come from breeders. Instead, they must obtain their animals from rescue organizations, humane society shelters, or animal shelters. If owners of the pet stores do not comply with the new regulations passed through Bill 485, they will be fined for up to $500. Furthermore, the bill requires all pet stores to spay or neuter dogs and cats before selling them. Another aspect of the bill requires pet stores to publicly show records of where the animals sold were obtained from.

One of the purposes of this bill is to limit the inhumane mass-breeding of animals because shelters are already affected by an overcrowding of animals. Puppy mills often breed dogs in large quantities and keep them in restrictive environments, exploiting and abusing them in the process. Breeders working in puppy mills usually breed dogs without concern for their health, which is why most animals sold from pet stores often have behavioral issues, such as fear or anxiety, and physical health problems, like heart disease.

The other purpose of Assembly Bill 485 is to promote adoption from animal shelters and humane societies rather than individual breeders. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that about 1.5 million animals are euthanized, out of the 6.5 million animals that enter shelters every year. Assembly Bill 485 would allow more animals to live joyfully and escape euthanasia. Furthermore, according to the ASPCA, about 34% of dogs owned in the U.S. are bought from breeders, while 23% are adopted from shelters. Through the approval of the bill, the percentage of all animals acquired through breeders will most likely decrease. As a result, more homeless pets from shelters will be able to find homes and a family to live with.

Despite the various benefits of this bill, some organizations and groups have spoken out against it. According to American Kennel Club’s vice president of government relations Sheila Goffe, the bill inhibits “all of California’s pet lovers from having access to professional, licensed, and ethical commercial breeders.” Instead of indirectly buying animals from reputable breeders through pet stores, people will be forced to directly contact and work with breeders in obtaining the pet of their choice, some of whom may not be as trusted and moral.

The passing of this bill represents the first statewide law that prohibits selling non-rescue animals. Although several cities and counties in different states have passed similar laws, this bill makes California the first out of all 50 U.S. states to pass such a law affecting the entire state. With this progressive new law, fewer animals will be forced into dire and awful situations.