Domestic Animals

The agency tasked with creating and posting best management practices for dog breeders was changed from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Minor line number adjustments were made to align the bill text with its new version, and the header was updated to reflect the 'First Engrossed' status.

Added a requirement for the Department of Law Enforcement to post searchable records of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses, including names, aliases, and photos.

Created a new section establishing best management practices for dog breeding, including standards for care, feeding, housing, and health, to be developed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Modified the notice requirements to be printed in 14-point boldface type and simplified the text to list specific consumer rights.

Modified the consumer remedy section to allow for punitive damages of at least $2,500 in cases where a dealer contests a refund or exchange demand.

Modified the definition of 'pet dealer' to include breeders who sell more than three litters or 20 dogs/cats per year, rather than just general pet dealers.

Modified the timeline for consumers to notify dealers of unfit animals, changing the window from 2 business days to 7 business days.