Posted Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 11:15 a.m., EST

A proposed amendment to the Animal Enterprise Protection Act, a bill designed to protect entities against harassment from animal rights and other activists, would exclude pet stores, animal shelters and others from the law’s protection.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council is encouraging pet stores to contact their assembly men in response to California Assembly Bill 2296, which is currently on its 3rd reading and will soon be voted on and sent to the Senate.

AB 2296 amends the existing act by creating legal remedies and opportunities for “animal enterprises,” as well as their employees and family members of employees and any person who has a connection to, relationship with or transaction with an animal enterprise.

The bill defines “animal enterprise” as “an entity that lawfully uses animals or animal products for education or research in any exercise of a constitutional right that relates to academic freedom.”

PIJAC says that the definition of animal enterprise is too narrowly defined and leaves much of the pet/animal industry without protection, such as pet stores, zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, breeders, circuses, rodeos and other animal interest.

The legislation prohibits publicizing home addresses or phone numbers of individuals working for animal enterprises, as well as their families, with the possible intent of causing the person harm or fear.

In the past, animal rights groups have posted photos and addresses of animal researchers and have organized protests of pet chain executives in their neighborhoods and at their churches.

Opponents of the legislation contend that the legislation is about censorship and violates first amendment rights. <HOME>