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Committee advances bill to curb deceptive online pet sales and nonrefundable deposits
Summary
AB 506 would void consumer contracts for online pet brokers that omit origin and veterinary records or require nonrefundable deposits; the committee referred the measure to the Senate Judiciary Committee after testimony from animal-welfare and consumer-protection groups.
The Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee on June 23 voted to refer AB 506, Assemblymember Bennett’s bill addressing online pet sales, to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Assemblymember Bennett said AB 506 aims to protect consumers from deceptive online pet brokers and careless breeders by voiding contracts that do not disclose the animal’s origin, veterinary records when available or that require nonrefundable deposits prior to disclosure. Supporters described an industry of deceptive listings that funnel animals from out-of-state commercial breeding operations into California via brokers, and they urged stronger disclosure requirements and consumer remedies.
Speakers in support included representatives from the ASPCA, San Diego Humane Society, Animal Legal Defense Fund and Social Compassion in Legislation. Witnesses described deceptive advertising practices, nonrefundable deposits that leave buyers with little recourse, and the role online brokers play in moving animals from inhumane breeding facilities into California.
Committee members questioned enforcement and how the law would apply to casual or private rehoming situations; the author said the bill requires sellers to provide information available to them and that the primary prohibition is on nonrefundable deposits and withholding known origin and medical records. The clerk recorded the referral to Judiciary; the item was placed on call for members not present at the vote.
AB 506 now moves to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
