A bill that would have made it a crime for California retailers to sell unsterilized cats and dogs is dead, but similar legislation likely will resurface, warned the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Washington).

Assembly Bill 2513 was a poorly drafted bill that had doubtful enforcement potential, according to PIJAC. The trade organization also questioned the bill's ability to fulfill its ostensible purpose of alleviating pet overpopulation problems in the state.

The heavily amended bill also would have included a special license category for commercial operators.

Legislation that targets commercial breeders and pet sellers to address concerns about unwanted animals will see increased attention in California and elsewhere, said PIJAC. [November 2004 PET AGE]