US, EU lawmakers push for new pet protection laws

Authorities across the United States and Europe introduced new regulations regarding financial services transparency and banning puppy mills. GlobalPETS takes a look. 

United States

Las Vegas

On 15 October, the Las Vegas City Council presented Bill No. 2025-35, which seeks to amend various provisions of the Las Vegas Municipal Code (LVMC) Title 7, which covers regulations on animal ownership and control.

To regulate pet shops, the proposal includes a ban on newly licensed pet shops from selling dogs, cats, rabbits, potbellied pigs or guinea pigs. Meanwhile, the 12 existing lawfully licensed pet shops established within the city limits will be temporarily allowed to continue selling these animals and must adjust their business models by 6 November 2028.

The new bill also introduces new pet shop safety and health regulations, including having a written disease control program and the issuance of health certificates for cats and dogs within 10 days prior to sale. 

The bill also imposes a minimum of $250 (€215.37) fine and a maximum fine of $500 (€430.74) for the illegal sale of animals.

California

On 9 October, the California government signed 4 bills to protect pets and pet owners, 3 of which aim to put an end to puppy mills.

These include Assembly Bill 506 (AB 506), which requires pet sellers to disclose the pet’s origin and health information. It also voids contracts that include non-refundable deposits, which the government says often lead pet owners to commit to unhealthy pets, feeding the puppy mill industry.

The second bill, AB 519, prohibits third-party pet brokers, particularly online, from selling cats, puppies and rabbits bred by others for profit in California, as many puppy mills pretend to be small home breeders by selling pets through brokers.

Lastly, Senate Bill 312 (SB 312) mandates dog importers to submit health certificates electronically to the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) within 10 days of shipment and requires CDFA to provide those certificates upon request.  

In addition, the California governor has signed AB 867, which bans the practice of declawing cats in the state unless medically necessary.

Declawing involves amputating cats’ toe bones or severing the tendons that control their paws. This surgical procedure can negatively impact cats’ health, potentially causing hemorrhage, infection, pain and anesthetic complications. 

Florida

The Florida Senate presented Bill 158 (SB 158) on 9 October, which will require pet insurance providers to improve transparency and consumer understanding of their insurance products. The bill is scheduled to take effect on 1 July 2026.

Starting 1 March of every year, insurers will be required to submit annual reports to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) detailing the number of policies issued, renewed or canceled; aggregate premium and claims data; reasons for denials and cancellations; and information on waiting periods, exclusions and wellness programs.

The bill will also require pet insurers to provide policyholders with a copy of the Insurer Disclosure of Important Policy Provisions document, as well as a plain-language summary of key policy features, including coverage limits and deductibles, waiting periods, exclusions, preexisting condition rules, and whether the policy includes wellness benefits.

Moreover, SB 158 requires insurers to provide policyholders with contact information for the Department of Insurance’s Division of Consumer Services, enabling consumers to submit inquiries and complaints regarding pet insurance products. Insurers will also be required to complete 2 hours of continuing education on pet insurance during each biennial compliance period.

Europe

UK

The UK Parliament has recently introduced the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, which aims to curb illegal puppy smuggling and restrict the import of mutilated animals.

The bill entered its second reading on 5 September. It was approved by the House of Commons and is now awaiting approval from the House of Lords.

If passed, the new law would raise the minimum age for imported puppies and kittens from 15 weeks to 6 months, ban the importation of pregnant animals beyond 42 days of gestation, and limit the number of animals allowed per vehicle.

It would also prohibit the import of dogs and cats that have undergone procedures already banned in the UK, including ear cropping, tail docking and declawing.

Slovenia

Slovenia is introducing new animal welfare measures to the Animal Protection Act to strengthen protections for companion, farm and wild animals. The Animal Protection Act of Slovenia was originally enacted on 18 December 1999.

The amendments to the existing regulation include provisions concerning companion animals, such as a ban on keeping dogs in cages inside residential premises and a prohibition on giving animals as prizes.

The new proposal also seeks to establish an official register of individuals banned from owning or breeding animals.

Additionally, it aims to expand provisions for abandoned animals housed in shelters and strengthen enforcement measures. Those found in violation of animal welfare regulations may face animal confiscation, bans on ownership or breeding, increased fines and other penalties.