No grist for the puppy mills Newsom signs laws to curb exploitative animal sellers - Local News Matters

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 519, which targets individuals posing as home breeders while selling pets sourced from puppy mills. The law prohibits for-profit brokers from selling animals bred by others, closing loopholes that emerged after a 2017 law restricted pet store sales to animals from shelters and rescues. Author Marc Berman responded to a Los Angeles Times investigation exposing how these brokers exploited existing regulations. The legislation, effective January 1, 2026, works alongside two other bills enhancing pet buyer transparency regarding animal origins and health. Senate Bill 312 mandates that dog importers submit health certificates to the California Department of Food and Agriculture within ten days, improving record-keeping.

Assembly Bill 506 requires sellers to disclose an animal's origin and health and prohibits non-refundable deposits, addressing widespread online fraud. Newsom noted that up to 80% of sponsored pet ads in California may be fraudulent, underscoring the need for these legal changes. Together, these measures aim to protect consumers and combat the puppy mill industry in California.