PIJAC Responds to New Arizona Pet Sale Law

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Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) president and CEO Mike Bober issued a statement responding to a new Arizona law implementing consistent statewide standards with regard to the sale of commercially bred dogs and cats in pet stores.

This new state-level legislation reverses local sales bans in Phoenix and Tempe, as well as a proposed one in Tucson.

“We applaud the state of Arizona for taking this positive step toward consistent protection of animals and consumers,” Bober said.  “Addressing this issue at the state level means that Arizonans from Phoenix to Flagstaff and Tucson to Tempe enjoy the same safeguards from one town to the next. “

The new law requires pet stores to display the source of their animals, including the name of the breeder and the USDA license near the animals’ cage or crate.  Pet stores will be subject to escalating fines for not following protocol, ensuring transparency among breeders and sellers.

“It is a tremendous advance in ensuring the availability of responsibly bred pets at a store level, where transactions can still be regulated, instead of driving demand to unregulated markets because an owner cannot locate the pet they need via shelter or rescue in their area,” Bober said.  “We hope Arizona can set the stage for other states to follow suit as well, because inconsistent local legislation addressing an issue that is national in scope has dangerous unintended consequences.”