SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California has become the first state to ban the sale of animals from puppy mills.
Gov. Jerry Brown announced Friday that he has signed a law requiring pet stores to work with animal shelters or rescue operations if they want to sell dogs, cats or rabbits. It still allows private breeders to sell animals directly.
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Thirty-six cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, already have similar bans on mass breeding operations.
Supporters said the state measure, AB485, ensures better treatment of animals.
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The pet store industry said it removes important consumer protections.
Brown did not comment on his decision.
AP
File - In this April 18, 2017 file photo, a rescue puppy from a local shelter is displayed at a news conference concerning pet adoptions at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif.