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Panel advances bill to ban sale of cosmetically modified pets, with aquatic exemption talks underway
Summary
AB 1382 would prohibit commercial sales of genetically modified animals modified solely for cosmetic traits; the committee passed the bill as amended and debate focused on exemptions for regulated aquatic species such as GloFish.
Assemblymember Castillo’s AB 1382, a proposal to prohibit sale of genetically modified animals altered for cosmetic purposes, was advanced by the Assembly Judiciary Committee after testimony from animal‑welfare groups and industry stakeholders.
Castillo told the committee the bill targets commercial production and sale of designer pets whose aesthetic modifications can carry unknown long‑term health risks, and that amendments would exempt genetic medical research and—per author amendments—exclude certain currently marketed glowfish. Supporters including the California Animal Welfare Association and the Animal Legal Defense Fund said the bill would protect animals and ease shelter burdens.
Opponents, including Alyssa Miller Hurley of the Pet Advocacy Network, urged care in drafting so the bill would not unintentionally ban regulated aquatic products already subject to scientific review, such as GloFish. Hurley and others said aquatic species are already reviewed by California Fish and Wildlife and urged narrow exemptions.
The committee voted to pass the bill as amended. Members said they appreciate the author’s willingness to work on targeted exemptions while preserving animal‑welfare goals.
What happens next: AB 1382 advances to the next committee or appropriations as recorded by the committee.
