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Assembly committee adopts substitute to ban retail sale of cats, dogs and rabbits; sponsors pledge more revisions after heavy testimony
Summary
The Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee adopted a committee substitute to A4051 — which would prohibit the retail sale of cats, dogs and rabbits by pet shops and raise fines — after hours of testimony from animal‑welfare groups, industry representatives and small pet‑store owners. Sponsors said they will continue to refine language after site visits and follow‑up meetings.
The Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee voted to adopt a committee substitute to A4051 on a motion after an hours‑long hearing that pitted animal‑welfare advocates and rescuers against representatives of pet stores and trade groups.
Assemblywoman Sharma Hader, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee the substitute is intended to protect animals and consumers and to encourage adoptions. "The legislation is both practical and compassionate, aimed at protecting animals, promoting consumer protection, supporting responsible businesses, and encouraging the adoption of homeless pets," she said.
Testimony split sharply. David Grant of Associated Humane Societies and other proponents said the existing Pet Purchase Protection Act has been circumvented through loopholes — for example, when retail sellers reclassify as kennels or when thinly regulated rescues act as intermediaries — and that the substitute closes those gaps. Grant said the substitute also raises penalties and changes licensing so municipalities and regulators have…
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