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AZ SB1789

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/5/2026

Primary Sponsor

Lauren Kuby

Click for details

Origin

Senate

Fifty-seventh Legislature - Second Regular Session (2026)

AI Summary

  • Removes the "knowing" standard for pet store violations, making pet stores and pet dealers strictly liable for obtaining dogs or cats from breeders who violate federal animal welfare regulations.

  • Requires pet stores and pet dealers to submit compliance records, including USDA inspection reports, to the Arizona Department of Agriculture rather than simply maintaining them for two years.

  • Authorizes any person in Arizona to seek injunctive relief in court against pet stores or pet dealers violating the sourcing restrictions.

  • Eliminates the good faith defense that previously protected pet stores conducting USDA database searches when sourcing animals from breeders.

  • Maintains escalating civil penalties ($1,000 for first violation, $2,500 for second, $5,000 for third) and allows courts to prohibit pet dealers from selling non-shelter animals for up to three years after a third violation within five years.

Legislative Description

Pet stores; pet dealers

Last Action

Senate read second time

2/9/2026

Committee Referrals

Rules2/5/2026
Natural Resources2/5/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available