New Pet Shop Law Goes Into Effect

A new pet shop law has gone into effect, as of October 1, 2014, based on the recommendations of a task force meant to prevent the sale of cats and dogs from inhumane origins at pet stores in Connecticut.

Adding to existing pet shop laws, Public Act 14-77 will now enforce four additional requirements:

· Pet shops must reimburse consumers the value of veterinary services, up to the purchase price of the animal, in cases of pet lemon law claims for dogs and cats. Pet shops found in violation are subject to a fine of up to $500, in addition to remaining liable for reimbursement.

· Each puppy being sold must be accompanied by two years worth of USDA inspection reports for the breeder supplying the puppy. The fine for violating this provision is up to $250.

· All dogs and cats sold in pet shops must originate from USDA-licensed breeders with no direct violations of the Animal Welfare Act, and no more than two indirect violations within the past two years. The fine is up to $1,000 for each day a pet shop is in violation.

· The Commissioner of Agriculture will establish standards of care for in-state dog and cat breeding operations. The standards will apply to individuals keeping 10 or more intact dogs, and to breeding catteries.

If you suspect a pet shop is in violation of these laws, or are having difficulty getting reimbursed under the Pet Lemon law, please contact the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Animal Control Division at 860-713-2506.

Additionally, in response to the new law, Connecticut Votes for Animals would like to know how people find information on available pets. For a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Moe’s Southwest Grill, take our brief survey here.

For more information, and to read the entire act, please click here.