California Seeks to Ban Roadside Pet Sales

California legislators are scheduled to hear a bill next week that seeks to prohibit the sale of animals in public places.

As proposed, Senate Bill 917 would make it a crime to willfully sell or give away, as part of a commercial transaction, a live animal on any street, highway, public right-of-way, parking lot, carnival or boardwalk. It would also be illegal to display or offer for sale, or display or offer to give away, as part of a commercial transaction, a live animal if the act of selling or giving away the live animal is to occur on any street, highway, public right-of-way, parking lot, carnival or boardwalk.

First time violators would be subject to a fine of up to $250. First time violators who cause or permit any animal to suffer or be injured, or who places the animal in danger, would face misdemeanor charges. Second or subsequent violators would face misdemeanor charges and fine of up to $1,000 per violation.

The bill states that the charge and penalty may be issued by any peace officer, animal control officer or humane officer.

A number of exemptions are provided, including exemptions for pet stores and, under certain circumstances, cat shows, dog shows and bird shows.

The Assembly Public Safety Committee is scheduled to hear SB 917 on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at 9 a.m. in the state Capitol. To read the proposed bill in its entirety, click here.