New Law Forces Pet Stores To Sell Only Rescue Dogs, Cats And Rabbits

SACRAMENTO (CBSLA/CBS News) — A new state law taking effect Tuesday will put a leash on pet store sales, making California the first state to ban retail sales of cats, dogs and rabbits in an effort to crack down on breeding mills.

Pet stores will also have to maintain records for where each of those animals came from, and must include that information on their cages or enclosures. Store operators will face a $500 fine for any violation of the law.

Another new state law kicking in New Year's Day will further advance pet protections by allowing judges in divorce proceedings to consider the best interests of pets and create custody arrangements for them. Current California law regards pets as property.

Cats and dogs also receive new federal protections in the farm bill signed this month by President Trump, which includes a provision formally banning the slaughter and trade of those animals for human consumption. Before the bill, it was legal in 44 states to turn cats and dogs into food.

Many other new California laws, addressing topics like gun control and climate change, put the state further at odds with President Trump. Click here for a rundown of those and other new laws taking effect January 1.