Los Angeles, CA –Governor Gavin Newsom signed several animal welfare bills into law that will help protect animals and people in California. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is proud to have supported these legislative actions which increase protection for animals in the state.
“The scope of these bills – from including threats against animals in stalking law to providing relief for the nationwide veterinary shortage – reinforce that Californians not only value animals, but we also understand the inexorable link between the welfare of animals and people,” said Madeline Bernstein, President spcaLA. “These laws will strength the ability of spcaLA, a California institution since 1877, to prevent cruelty to animals and support our community. We were proud to have joined California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals) in supporting these legislative actions.”
The Cat Declaw Ban (AB 867) bans cat declawing, unless medically necessary. Cat declawing is a painful amputation of the last bone in a cat’s toes. Declawing a cat can lead to mobility issues and behavioral problems, and can result in chronic pain and nerve damage.
The Pet Broker Ban (AB 519) prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by third-party sellers (brokers) and limits pet sales to those sourced directly by breeders, shelters, humane societies, or rescue organizations. This bill aims to shutter the “puppy mill pipeline”, protect consumers, and promote animal adoption over sales.
Pet Sales Regulations (AB 506) requires pet sellers to disclose an animal’s origin and health history. Further, it voids contracts that require a non-refundable deposits on dogs, cats, and rabbits. It expands consumer protections making pet sales more transparent and ends bait-and-switch scam tactics by requiring deposits be refunded within 30 days if violated.
Pet Sales Documentation Transparency (SB 312) requires dog importers to submit health certificates to the California Department of Food & Agriculture within 10 days of shipment. This bill increases transparency for consumers and protects animals by requiring the certificates be made public.
The Stalking Definition Expansion (SB 221) expands California’s stalking law by including threats made to one’s pet, service or emotional support animals and horses. This protects victims of stalking and makes it clear that the law recognizes violent threats to pets as a form of control and abuse.
The FOUND Act (AB 478) mandates that local governments establish protocols for pet rescues during evacuations, provide public contact information for assistance, and ensure rescued animals are held for at least 30 days for owners to retrieve them. The act also includes establishing a dedicated hotline for pet-related emergencies and requires that rescued pets are safeguarded from adoption or euthanasia during the 30-day period unless there is irremediable suffering. The FOUND Act will help pets and their companions by providing information during and after a disaster.
Registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants: scope of practice (AB 516) allows registered veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants in private practice and shelters to perform certain animal health care services under the supervision of a veterinarian. AB 516 provides some relief for the national shortage of veterinary professionals.
The new laws will go into effect on January 1, 2026.