Hawaii May Ban Sale of Unsterilized Dogs, Cats

The Hawaii Senate is considering two separate bills that would each ban the sale of unsterilized dogs and cats and require pet sellers to microchip all dogs and cats prior to sale.

The key difference between Senate Bill 2504 and Senate Bill 2198 is that SB 2504 would make each violation of the legislation’s provisions a petty misdemeanor and SB 2198 would subject pet sellers violating the legislation with a fine of up to $1,000 for each date of violation.

Both bills have been assigned to the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, with SB 2504 set to be heard by the committee on Feb. 7, 2012, at 9 a.m.

The bills prohibit any pet sellers, defined as any individual or entity that sells cats or dogs, from selling (or giving away) an unsterilized dog or unsterilized cat. The bills exempt animal shelters and rescue groups from the definition of pet seller.

In addition, pet sellers must ensure any dog or cat it sells or gives away is microchipped and that the microchip registration information is provided to the new pet owner at time of transfer.

Pet sellers would also be required at that time to provide the new pet owner with additional information about the pet, including breeders name and contact and USDA license information; the animal’s date of birth and the date the seller obtained the animal; and veterinary information, including all inoculations and worming treatments administered, any other medications or treatments provided the animal, certification from a veterinarian that the animal was spayed or neutered, and a statement disclosing any known diseases, illnesses or congenital or hereditary conditions that could adversely affect the animal or attesting that the animal was free of any such diseases, illnesses or conditions.

Each bill would require pet sellers to retain a copy of this information for at least two years after the transaction.

Each bill would go into effect upon its approval. 

Pet dealers in Hawaii also face pending dog warranty legislation.