This week’s Take
Action Thursday focuses on both positive
and harmful state legislation regarding the sale of puppies and kittens from
puppy mills and catteries. It also discusses a recent Texas case affecting all
animal rescues and shelters in the state.
State Legislation
Cities in dozens of states across the country are adopting
retail pet sale bans in an effort to clear their animal shelters and give
homeless pets another chance at a loving home. Many communities have raised
public awareness of the tragic lives of animals in puppy mills, promoting
adoption over the sale of animals from pet stores. While some states embrace
this development, other states are moving—at the urging of a well-funded puppy
mill industry—to strike down the authority of local governments to restrict pet
shop sales of dogs and cats.
In New Jersey, A 2338 and S 63, the Pet Purchase
Protection Act, would be the first statewide ban prohibiting the
sight-unseen sale of cats and dogs. It also would require pet shops to sell
cats and dogs from shelters, pounds and animal rescues, and would prohibit pet
shop sales of cats and dogs from other sources, such as breeders.
If you live in New Jersey, please contact your state Senator
and Representative and ask them to SUPPORT this legislation.
TAKE ACTION »
In Arizona, SB 1248 would prevent
municipalities from implementing ordinances that would prohibit the sale of
puppies and kittens from puppy mills and catteries, invalidating ordinances
already adopted in Phoenix and Tempe.
If you live in Arizona, please contact your State Senator and
ask them to OPPOSE this legislation.
TAKE ACTION »
In Missouri, SB 1024 would prohibit local
governments from requiring that pet shops only sell animals who were obtained
from a pound, animal shelter, or contract kennel.
If you live in Missouri, please contact your State Senator
and ask them to OPPOSE this legislation.
TAKE ACTION »
Legal Trends
The Texas Supreme Court ruled that
owners were entitled to reclaim their lost dog, even after he was released from
the animal control facility to a rescue group, contrary to current public
policy. If you or someone you know plans on adopting a companion animal in
Texas, the details of this case are a must read. Learn more.
Want to do more? Visit the NAVS Advocacy
Center to TAKE ACTION on behalf of animals in your state and around the country.
For the latest information regarding animals
and the law, visit the Animal Law Resource Center at AnimalLaw.com 
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