A bill in Maryland that would have required pet stores to enter into a legally-binding spay/neuter contract with anyone purchasing a dog or cat from them, died in committee after some in the pet industry voiced opposition to the proposal. Maryland House Bill 1290 stipulated that the purchaser must agree in a written contract with the pet store to have the animal spayed or neutered within a set timeframe. As an alternative, pet stores could have a veterinarian spay or neuter the pet before relinquishing ownership.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council’s Mike Maddox, along with others, testified against the bill during a March 20 House Judiciary Committee meeting at the State Capitol Building in Maryland.

The committee returned an “unfavorable” verdict on the bill, effectively killing it for the 2008 legislative session.

The proposal would have required the pet store to collect a deposit from the purchaser, which would be returned upon completion of the animal’s spay/neuter surgery. If the pet owner failed to present a certificate from a veterinarian indicating the sterilization was completed within the proper timeframe, the pet store would have the right not only to retain the deposit but also to reclaim the animal and seek an additional civil fine of $500 as well as court costs and attorney fees “if the adopting party continues to violate the written agreement.”

Prior to its defeat, PIJAC had said the bill would result in “added headaches” for pet store owners “in making sure adopting parties comply as well as possible legal actions.”

House Bill 1290 would have equally affected animal shelters and rescues, as these groups fall under the same “releasing agency” definition as pet stores do. <HOME>

Posted March 27, 2008, 6:29 p.m., EST