California Passes Groundbreaking Laws to End Puppy Mills and Strengthen Pet Protections
California has once again cemented its status as a national leader in animal welfare. On October 9, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed four new bills aimed at ending the state’s “puppy mill pipeline” and banning cat declawing—marking another major step toward protecting pets and their people.
“Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and it’s time to shine a light on puppy mills,” said Governor Newsom. “Today’s legislation protects both animals and Californians by addressing fraudulent pet breeding and selling practices.”
Cracking Down on Puppy Mills
Three of the four bills specifically target puppy mills and unethical breeding operations that have long exploited both animals and hopeful pet owners.
Here’s what’s changing:
| Bill | Focus | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| AB 506 (Steve Bennett, D-Ventura) | Transparency in pet sales | Requires pet sellers to disclose a pet’s origin and health information and bans non-refundable deposits that often trap buyers in scams involving unhealthy animals. |
| AB 519 (Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park) | Ending third-party pet brokering | Prohibits brokers—especially online sellers—from marketing cats, puppies, or rabbits bred by others for profit in California, a common loophole used by puppy mills. |
| SB 312 (Thomas Umberg, D-Santa Ana) | Health documentation | Requires dog importers to electronically submit health certificates to the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) and makes those records publicly available. |
These bills close major loopholes that allowed large-scale breeding operations to hide behind online ads and false “small breeder” claims. The goal: transparency, accountability, and ultimately, fewer animals suffering in inhumane commercial facilities.
A Statewide Ban on Cat Declawing
The fourth bill, AB 867 (Alex Lee, D-Milpitas), officially bans cat declawing across California—except when medically necessary.
Declawing, once performed for cosmetic or convenience reasons, has been condemned by veterinarians worldwide. The procedure can cause chronic pain, infection, and long-term behavioral issues. While cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco had already enacted bans, this new law makes the prohibition statewide.
California now joins a growing list of U.S. states—including New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts—and over 20 countries that have outlawed declawing.
Continuing California’s Animal Welfare Legacy
These new laws build on years of progressive animal welfare legislation in California. The state has previously:
Banned the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits (2017)
Prohibited animal toxicity testing on dogs and cats
Banned the sale of new fur products
Outlawed wild animal performances in circuses
Required shelters and kennels to have natural disaster evacuation plans
Invested $50 million into statewide shelter support programs administered by UC Davis
Governor Newsom’s administration has also supported measures to help homeless individuals keep their pets and strengthened microchipping requirements to improve return-to-owner rates.
Why It Matters
With an estimated 80% of online pet ads being fraudulent, these reforms bring much-needed transparency to the pet-buying process. By cutting off the puppy mill pipeline and protecting cats from cruel practices, California continues to set a high bar for animal welfare nationwide.
These measures don’t just protect pets—they protect the people who love them.
