SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California has become the first state to ban the sale of animals from puppy mills.
Gov. Jerry Brown announced Friday that he has signed a law requiring pet stores to work with animal shelters or rescue operations if they want to sell dogs, cats or rabbits. It still allows private breeders to sell animals directly.
Naty is one of the dogs recently transferred to Maine from Puerto Rico. Staff photo by John Ewing
WESTBROOK, ME - OCTOBER 12: 25 dogs and one cat arrived at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland Thursday morning following a long flight from Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican shelter All Sato Rescue set the dogs to shelters in New England as the island struggles to recover from Hurricane Maria. "Angeles" is one of the dogs from Puerto Rico now at the shelter. (Photo by John Ewing/Staff Photographer) Staff photo by John Ewing
Thirty-six cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, already have similar bans on mass breeding operations.
Supporters said the state measure, AB485, ensures better treatment of animals.
The pet store industry said it removes important consumer protections.
Brown did not comment on his decision.
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