New legislation aims to protect consumers and dogs from pet industry’s deceptive practices

California has long been a leader in animal welfare, becoming the first state to prohibit the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet stores, but dishonest sellers continue to exploit consumers by posing as reputable local breeders. In reality, they import thousands of puppies from cruel, out-of-state breeding operations, deceiving buyers and perpetuating the horrific puppy mill pipeline. 
 

What:         Press conference to announce new legislation to strengthen protections for consumers and dogs 

When:      Tuesday, February 11, 2025

                  9 AM

Where:     California State Capitol

                  West Steps

Who:        The Honorable Thomas J. Umberg, Senator, 34^th District

                 The Honorable Marc Berman, Assemblymember, 23^rd District

                 The Honorable Steve Bennett, Assemblymember, 38^th District

                 Brittany Benesi, ASPCA

                 Jennifer Fearing, San Diego Humane Society

Why:         In 2020, California prohibited the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet stores. But, as a recent Los                    Angeles Times investigative series titled “Pets for profit” found, puppy mills continue to sell dogs into                        California through websites and middlemen deceiving California families.

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Senator Thomas J. Umberg represents the 34th Senate District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, La Habra, Long Beach, Orange, 

Placentia, Santa Ana, and East and South Whittier. Umberg is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, former federal prosecutor, and small businessman. 

He and his wife, Brigadier General Robin Umberg, USA (ret.), live in Orange County.