Committee backs bill to restrict certain pet sales, set fines for violations

Representative Kemp presented a bill intended as a consumer- and animal-protection measure to curb unlawful or deceptive sales of animals. Kemp said the bill applies when there is consideration (payment) for an animal and does not cover giveaways. "If someone's giving away an animal, this does not apply, but when consideration ... that's consideration," Kemp said.

Under the bill, transfers involving payment would be allowed at a residence, place of business, veterinarian office, police or sheriff's office, FFA/4-H/AKC events, a Department of Agriculture-stipulated location, or when the seller holds a Department license. Kemp described the measure as targeting organized sellers who hide animals in "deplorable" conditions and said it is intended to reduce animal abandonment and the costs to county shelters.

The bill sets fines at $100 for the first violation, $250 for a second, and $500 for a third; the transcript notes an existing statutory maximum of $1,000 per violation remains. Committee members asked where collected fines would be directed; Catherine Russell of the Department of Agriculture said fines collected by the department are remitted to the state general fund and that the department retains very few of the fees collected. Senator Anderson moved a do-pass recommendation and Senator Walker seconded; the committee voted in favor and the chair said the motion passed unanimously.