San Diego Humane Society sponsored bills signed into law 

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Governor Gavin Newsom signed four animal protection bills on Thursday that aim to protect cats and end the puppy mill pipeline in California. 

The puppy mill pipeline is a multibillion-dollar industry that results in thousands of puppies being shipped to California for profit, according to an investigation by The Los Angeles Times. The bills were largely inspired by The Times investigation. 

Newsom signed the series of pet protections, including Assembly Bill (AB) 506, Senate Bill (SB) 312, AB 867 and AB 519.  

AB 506, 519 and SB 312 were sponsored by the San Diego Humane Society. 

“With Governor Newsom’s signatures, California has again strengthened its commitment to animal welfare and consumer transparency,” President and CEO of San Diego Humane Society Dr. Gary Weitzman said. 

“Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and it’s time to shine a light on puppy mills,” Newsom added. 

Introduced by Assemblymember Steve Bennet, AB 506 requires pet sellers to disclose a pet’s origin and health information.  

“This is for my beloved senior pup, Annie, and for the animals that await their families,” Bennett said in a September statement. “With this bill package, California is improving the adoption process for both families and animals.”

In order to stop puppy mills from appearing to be home breeders, AB 519 by Assemblymember Marc Berman prohibits the selling of puppies, cats and rabbits bred by third-party pet brokers for profit, also targeting online brokers.  

SB 312, introduced by State Senator Thomas Umberg, mandates dog importers to share electronic health certificates with the California Department of Food and Agriculture. 

“This package of laws — prompted by investigative journalism by the Los Angeles Times — builds on existing safeguards and sends the clear message that puppy mill cruelty has no place in our state,” Weitzman added. 

Aside from the legislation on the puppy mill market, Newsom addressed issues facing cats in California with the signing of AB 867. Introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee, the bill bans the declawing of cats when not medically necessary.  

“Mutilating healthy cats for human convenience is cruel and inhumane,” Lee said in a statement. “Cat declawing is a permanent disfiguring surgery that’s equivalent to removing a person’s fingers at the top knuckle.”  

Declawing can cause lasting behavioral and physical issues for cats, according to the Humane World for Animals. The practice can also increase a feline’s back pain, tissue death and litter box aversion. 

Newsom said that the legislation signed on Thursday protects both animals and people alike. 

“California continues to lead the way in putting the wellbeing of animals and pet-loving families first,” Weitzman said.