Prohibiting Pet Animal Sales in Public Spaces

The act prohibits an individual or entity from selling, offering or advertising for sale or adoption, bartering, or giving away a pet animal that, at the time of transfer, is physically located at or on any public street, highway, right-of-way, parkway, median strip, park, recreation area, outdoor market, parking lot, or other public space. Pet animal facilities licensed under the "Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act" are exempted from the prohibition, as are sales of livestock. In addition, pet animal owners, breeders, handlers, or trainers are exempted while transporting a pet animal to or from or exhibiting or competing at an event that is licensed, regulated, or sanctioned by a nationally recognized registering organization. The act also exempts hunting dogs that are bred or trained for lawful hunting.

The act clarifies that nothing precludes a statutory or home rule town, city, county, or city and county from regulating the transfer of pet animals in public spaces.

An individual or entity that violates the prohibition commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)