spcaLA and DACC inspect area pet shops
Los Angeles, CA (12/4/19) – Yesterday, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) and the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) inspected area pet stores for compliance with California State laws regarding pet shops.
“DACC representatives were pleased with the cooperation of pet shops owners during our inspection. We still want to remind store keepers to keep documentation on all animals that they keep, including medical records as well as adherence to an approved daily cleaning protocol to ensure sanitary conditions at all times,” says DACC Director, Marcia Mayeda. Teams from spcaLA and DACC inspected the care and keeping of animals at four area pet shops. Minor violations that were discovered have been documented and DACC issued orders to comply. Follow-up investigations and inspections will follow.
“As a consumer, you have more power than you may realize,” said spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein. “Find out where pet shops get their pets and research the information they provide. Better yet, skip the middle-man and adopt from your local shelter.”
spcaLA and DACC inspected pet shops December 3, 2019.
Among other regulations, the spcaLA and DACC teams inspected for compliance with Health and Safety Code 122354.5, part of the “Pet Rescue & Adoption Act,” which went into effect January 1, 2019. Under the law, pet shops may only source dogs, cats, and rabbits from shelters or rescue groups. None of the inspected pet shops were found to be out of compliance with this section of the code.
Would-be adopters and donors are encouraged to verify rescue groups mandated to be 501(c)(3) charities by under the Act are current and in good standing with the IRS and the California State Attorney General.
spcaLA is the only private non-profit animal welfare organization in the city of Los Angeles that is also Law Enforcement. spcaLA Humane Officers have jurisdiction state-wide while investigating animal cruelty.
About DACC
Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control leads the nation in protecting people and animals through compassionate care, community education, proactive intervention, and effective enforcement.
About spcaLA
Since 1877, spcaLA has been the premiere independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California. There is no national SPCA, parent organization, or umbrella group that provides financial support to spcaLA. Donations run programs and services including Cruelty Investigation, Disaster Animal Response Team, Humane Education, and a variety of shelter services.