No. CS/SB 1004
Filed under Criminal Justice.
Domestic Animals; Requiring the Department of Law Enforcement to post on its website specified information relating to each individual convicted of specified animal cruelty offenses; extending the timeframe for which a consumer may pursue remedies for the sale of an animal certifiably unfit for purchase; requiring a pet dealer to provide copies of specified medical records to a consumer; requiring the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to develop a list of best management practices for adoption and implementation, etc.
Plain English Summary
AI-GENERATEDThe Department of Law Enforcement must post detailed criminal records for animal cruelty convictions, including names, photos, and case details, on its public website starting in 2027.
Consumers gain a 30-day window to return sick pets and a 1-year window for congenital defects, with dealers required to provide pre-sale medical records and terminate financing without penalty.
Pet dealers must provide a specific written notice of consumer rights in bold type and maintain all sale records for at least seven years after the transaction.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation must develop voluntary best management practices for dog breeders and post public guidance on identifying responsible breeders.
AIRequires the Department of Law Enforcement to publish detailed personal and case data for every individual convicted of or pleading guilty to animal cruelty offenses.
AIRequires pet dealers to provide consumers with copies of all medical examinations, tests, and medication records for the animal before the sale is completed.
AIDeletes the existing provision that allowed consumers to sign a waiver relinquishing their right to return an animal for congenital or hereditary disorders.
AIAllows consumers to file in small claims court and collect punitive damages of at least $2,500 if a dealer fails to honor a refund or exchange demand.
AIRequires pet dealers to maintain all records provided to consumers for at least seven years after the sale of an animal.
AIClassifies any violation of the section as an unfair method of competition or deceptive act, subjecting dealers to penalties and remedies under Chapter 501.
AIExtends the timeframe for consumers to claim an animal was unfit from 14 to 30 days and expands the definition of covered animals from dogs and cats to all animals.
AIRaises the threshold for being classified as a pet dealer from two litters or 20 animals to three litters or 30 animals, and exempts not-for-profit entities that do not purchase from breeders or brokers.