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Bill

A 1672

Prohibits contracts for the purchase or financing of a dog or cat from online websites from including provisions allowing repossession of the animal

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Alvarez and 3 co-sponsors

Bill A 1672 protects pet owners by banning repossession clauses in online dog and cat purchase contracts, ensuring pets are treated as companions, not property.

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Bill Summary · A 1672

Summary of Bill A 1672

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 1672
  • Title: Prohibits contracts for the purchase or financing of a dog or cat from online websites from including provisions allowing repossession of the animal.
  • Status: Returned to Assembly
  • Introduced: January 10, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 1672 is to protect the welfare of pets, specifically dogs and cats, purchased or financed through online platforms. The bill aims to ensure that contracts associated with these transactions do not contain provisions that would allow for the repossession of the animal by the seller or financier. This legislation seeks to prevent situations where pets could be treated as mere property subject to repossession, thereby promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition of Repossession Clauses: The bill explicitly prohibits any contracts for the purchase or financing of dogs and cats from online sources from including terms that allow for the repossession of the animal.
  • Consumer Protection: By eliminating repossession clauses, the bill enhances consumer protection for pet owners, ensuring that once a pet is purchased, the owner retains full rights to the animal without the risk of losing it due to financial disputes.

Affected Parties

  • Pet Owners: Individuals who purchase or finance dogs and cats online will benefit from the protections offered by this bill, ensuring they cannot lose their pets due to repossession.
  • Online Pet Sellers and Financiers: Businesses that sell or finance pets online will need to adjust their contracts to comply with the new regulations, potentially impacting their business practices.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 10, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Agriculture Committee.
  • February 11, 2025: Reported and referred to the Codes Committee.
  • March 25, 2025: Bill reported out of committee.
  • March 27, 2025: Advanced to third reading.
  • April 28, 2025: Amended on third reading.
  • May 12, 2025: Passed in the Assembly and delivered to the Senate.
  • June 4, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the Assembly.

Related Legislation

  • A 4058: A prior-session bill that may have addressed similar issues.
  • S 6822: A companion bill in the Senate that aligns with the objectives of A 1672.

Conclusion

Bill A 1672 represents a significant step towards enhancing animal welfare and consumer rights in the context of online pet sales. By prohibiting repossession clauses in purchase contracts, the bill aims to foster a more humane approach to pet ownership and ensure that pets are treated as companions rather than commodities. The bill is currently returned to the Assembly, indicating ongoing discussions and potential revisions before final approval.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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