California Bans Exploitative Online Puppy Brokers
Governor Newsom signs Assembly Bill 519, closing significant loophole in California’s ability to curb out-of-state puppy mill pipeline
SACRAMENTO—Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 519 into law, banning exploitative online pet dealers in California. Authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman, the law closes a major enforcement gap that allowed brokers to sidestep the state’s 2019 ban on pet-store sales of dogs from inhumane commercial breeders.
The bill was part of a three-bill package (AB 519, AB 506, SB 312) co-sponsored by ASPCA and The San Diego Humane Society, and supported by The Michelson Center for Public Policy, aiming to end puppy mill cruelty in California. All three bills were signed into law by Governor Newsom.
The following is a statement from Jennifer Naitaki, Policy Director, Michelson Center for Public Policy:
“In 2019, California led the nation by banning pet stores from selling dogs bred in inhumane commercial mills. By signing AB 519, Governor Newsom has closed the online loophole exploited by bad-faith brokers, giving that landmark law real teeth and delivering on the state’s promise to curb this cruelty. This win was made possible by the dedication of Assemblymember Berman, and reaffirms that our focus must be on finding homes for the animals already in California, not fueling business for inhumane, out-of-state sources.”
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The Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP) is a 501(c)(4) organization advancing legislative change through strategic collaboration with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and civic leaders. Focused on education, equity, justice, medical research, and animal welfare, MCPP complements the work of Michelson Philanthropies through bold, effective advocacy. Learn more at www.michelsonpolicy.org.
