Louisiana Senate Bill SB337

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 4/6/16
• Engrossed: 4/14/16
• Refer: 4/18/16
• Refer: 4/20/16
• Report Pass: 5/23/16
• Enrolled: 6/5/16
• Chaptered: 6/17/16
• Passed: 6/17/16

Caption

Provides relative to the sale of dogs and cats in retail stores. (gov sig)

Impact

The enactment of SB337 will significantly alter the landscape of how pets are sold in Louisiana by ensuring that retail stores adhere to stricter sourcing guidelines that promote animal welfare. It empowers law enforcement and animal control officers to inspect pet store records, enhancing accountability regarding the treatment of animals. Furthermore, municipalities are still granted the authority to establish more stringent regulations, allowing local governments to tailor laws according to community standards and needs, thereby maintaining an element of local control over the pet sales market.

Summary

Senate Bill 337 aims to regulate the sale of dogs and cats in retail pet stores in Louisiana. The bill establishes specific provisions regarding the sources from which retail pet stores can acquire pets, emphasizing compliance with existing animal welfare legislation. It mandates that retail pet stores can only sell pets obtained from compliant breeders as defined under the law, as well as from animal care facilities and rescue organizations. Additionally, the bill mandates that pet stores not offer animals younger than eight weeks for sale and requires these stores to maintain records about the source of their animals for two years.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB337 appears to be generally positive, particularly among animal rights advocates and welfare organizations who support efforts to minimize unethical breeding practices and promote responsible pet ownership. However, some in the retail community might express concerns regarding the regulations as encumbering to business practices. The overall atmosphere reflects a merging of interests that prioritize animal welfare while also considering the operational capacities of retail pet stores.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance of regulatory oversight versus the freedom of local businesses to operate. Some critics of the bill may argue that it imposes excessive constraints on retail pet stores regarding their sourcing options. Conversely, advocates assert that the bill is a necessary step in combating irresponsible breeding and ensuring that all animals sold in retail settings come from reputable sources. Ongoing discussions may revolve around the enforcement of these provisions and how different stakeholders perceive their implications for both the economy and animal welfare.