By Bob Katzen

The Senate 36-0, approved a bill ensuring that puppies and kittens are bred and sold in a safe and healthy environment and strengthening the current “Puppy Lemon Law” to give pet owners additional options if they unknowingly purchase a sick pet.

Provisions prohibit the sale of puppies and kittens younger than eight weeks old; allow for inspection by the Commissioner of Agricultural Resources of kennels and catteries and persons keeping at least five non-spayed female dogs or cats; create a process by which a puppy or kitten suffering from a significant adverse health condition may be declared “unfit for purchase” by a veterinarian; and provide remedies to a buyer of a puppy or kitten declared unfit for purchase including exchange of the puppy or kitten or a refund and reimbursement for reasonable veterinary fees.

Supporters say this will reduce the number of animals that are born sick. They argue that pet owners deserve protection when they unknowingly purchase a sick animal that requires expensive veterinary care.