CONTACT: Fleur Dawes, fleur@idausa.org, (+1) 415-879-6879

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/dIyQmbQ5_xg

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (October 13, 2017) – In Defense of Animals is overjoyed that California Governor Jerry Brown has signed the Pet Rescue and Adoption Act into law. From January 1, 2019, it will become a criminal offense for California pet stores to sell dogs, cats, and rabbits unless they come from a shelter or rescue. In Defense of Animals last week delivered hundreds of letters urging Governor Jerry Brown to sign AB 485 into law. It is the first statewide animal protection law of its kind.

“The Pet Rescue and Adoption Act is one of the most significant laws passed in the United States to date, and we are overjoyed that Jerry Brown has made this dream a reality,” said In Defense of Animals President, Marilyn Kroplick M.D.

“This important law will spare tens of thousands of animal who are killed every year in shelters due to a lack of space and available homes. It is a death-blow to puppy-mills and backyard breeders which for years have lined their pockets through large-scale animal suffering. A vicious cycle has been broken and animals will now get the loving adoptive homes they deserve. We are extremely grateful to California senators, Governor Jerry Brown, and to In Defense of Animals supporters who urged action.”

33 cities and counties in California already have local bans on the retail sale of puppy-mill dogs and cats in local pet stores. From 2019, dogs, cats, and rabbits across California will arrive at retail outlets vaccinated and sterilized, thereby preventing yet more suffering through disease and overpopulation.

This is a major victory for animals, and also for California taxpayers since it will alleviate pressure on county budgets. California taxpayers currently contribute $250 million each year to support city and county animal shelters, while puppy-mills have continuously bred animals for profit.

For more information, please visit www.idausa.org

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In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 30-year history of protecting animals’ rights, welfare and habitats through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.