HI HB849

Pet store operators are prohibited from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless obtained from animal control officers, humane societies, animal prevention of cruelty societies, or rescue groups with cooperative agreements with governmental entities or other qualifying organizations.

Pet store operators must maintain records documenting the source of each dog, cat, or rabbit for at least one year and must post signage on animal enclosures displaying the name and address of the source organization.

Violations result in civil penalties of $500 per animal sold in violation of the requirement, with each animal constituting a separate offense.

Pet store operators must provide records to the department upon request, and the department may adopt rules to implement the statute.

The Act defines "pet store operator" as the owner of a premise where birds, mammals, or reptiles are kept for sale, and "rescue group" as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization that does not obtain animals from breeders or brokers for compensation.