California General Assembly passes a law on reptiles and aquatics

The State of California General Assembly has now passed California Assembly Bill (AB) 339 – Sale of Animals at Swap Meets. AB-339 now makes it a crime to sell or give away live animals at swap meets with one major exception. The bill was amended to allow reptile and aquatic shows to sell or give away live animals as long as those shows meet certain standards. Specifically, the new law makes it a crime to sell or give away a live animal during swap meets, or display an offer to sell or give away a live animal if the act is to occur at a swap meet. The bill exempts reptile and aquatic shows from the ban if all of the following conditions are met: the show is validly permitted by the city or county in which the show is held and the show’s sponsor or permittee ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local animal welfare and animal control laws.
“This piece of legislation is a win-win for reptile and aquatic enthusiasts and the citizens of the State of California,” says Mike Canning, president and CEO of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC).