If enacted, House Bill 707 also would create several new requirements under the state Animal Welfare Act and Humane Care for Animals Act. In addition to requiring all “animal caretakers” to become licensed, the bill would require them to:

• ”Provide a stimulating and enriching environment” for all animals. This includes “a variety of toys, perches of different sizes and materials, and full-spectrum lighting” for birds. The bill does not define what constitutes an enriching environment for other animals.
• Provide a sufficient quantity of good-quality, wholesome food and water. Food for birds must be “prescribed by an avian veterinarian.”
• Provide veterinary care on an annual basis and when needed to prevent suffering.
• Ensure sanitary conditions and proper ventilation.

The new “animal caretaker” title would apply to breeders and even private individuals who sell or exchange any pet animals, according to PIJAC. The proposed law would eliminate a current exemption for those who sell animals they have raised.

PIJAC opposes the bill on several grounds:

• Operators of pet shops are already licensed and defined by the law.
• The proposed requirement for a “stimulating and enriching environment” and the standard for “proper ventilation” are ill-defined and highly subjective.
• The proposal includes no reason for requiring that food be “prescribed by an avian veterinarian,” nor is it clear whether “animal caretakers” would need to get a prescription every time they purchased food.

At press time, the bill was set for a March hearing in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee. [April 2005 PET AGE]