122354
. (a) The pet store operator or at least one of his or her
employees shall be present in the store at least once daily,
regardless of whether the store is open, for care and maintenance of
the animals in the pet store.
(b) A pet store operator shall comply with the following animal
care requirements:
(1) House only compatible animals in the same enclosure.
(2) Observe each animal at regular intervals, at least once a day,
in order to recognize and evaluate general symptoms of sickness,
injury, or abnormal behavior.
(3) Take reasonable measures to house intact mammals that have
reached sexual maturity in a manner to prevent unplanned
reproduction.
(4) (A) Maintain and abide by written animal husbandry procedures
that address animal care, management and safe handling, disease
prevention and control, routine care, preventative care, emergency
care, veterinary treatment, euthanasia, and disaster planning,
evacuation, and recovery that is applicable to the location of the
pet store. These procedures shall be reviewed with employees who
provide animal care and shall be present, in writing, either
electronically or physically, in the store and made available to all
store employees.
(B) Sections 122356 and 122358 do not apply to subparagraph (A)
where there are other local, state, or federal laws that apply to
those procedures.
(5) (A) If there is a determination that an animal may need to be
euthanized, ensure that veterinary treatment is provided without
delay.
(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a rodent or rabbit intended
as food for another animal may be destroyed by a pet store operator
or an employee of a pet store only if the animal is euthanized by a
method that is performed in a humane manner, appropriate for the
species, authorized by state law, and in compliance with the American
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines on Euthanasia,
dated June 2007, published by the AVMA.
(C) The euthanasia performed pursuant to subparagraph (B) may be
performed by a pet store operator or an employee of a pet store only
if a California-licensed veterinarian has certified, in writing, that
the pet store operator or employee is properly trained and
proficient in performing the method of euthanasia on that particular
species. The certification shall be valid for a period of not more
than three years, and may be recertified for additional periods of
three years. Each certification of a pet store operator or employee
shall be retained by the pet store for three years, unless a longer
period is otherwise required under state law. The certification shall
be made available, upon request, to appropriate law enforcement
officers exercising authority pursuant to Section 122356.
(D) It is the responsibility of the pet store operator to ensure
that euthanasia is performed in compliance with this section.
(E) Subparagraphs (A) to (D), inclusive, shall be implemented in a
manner consistent with California law and in accordance with Chapter
11 (commencing with Section 4800) of Division 2 of the Business and
Professions Code.
(6) Isolate and not offer for sale those animals that have or are
suspected of having a contagious condition. This paragraph shall not
apply to those animals that are effectively isolated by their primary
enclosure, including, but not limited to, fish, provided that a sign
is posted on the enclosure that indicates that these animals are not
for sale, or otherwise marked in a manner to prevent their sale to
customers during their treatment for the contagious condition.
(7) Have a documented program of routine care, preventative care,
emergency care, disease control and prevention, and veterinary
treatment and euthanasia, as outlined in paragraph (5), that is
established and maintained by the pet store in consultation with a
licensed veterinarian employed by the pet store or a
California-licensed veterinarian, to ensure adherence to the program
with respect to each animal. The program shall also include a
documented onsite visit to the pet store premises by a
California-licensed veterinarian at least once a year.
(8) Ensure that each diseased, ill, or injured animal is evaluated
and treated without delay. If necessary for the humane care and
treatment of the animal, the animal shall be provided with veterinary
treatment without delay.
(9) In the event of a natural disaster, an emergency evacuation,
or other similar occurrence, the humane care and treatment of each
animal is provided for, as required by this chapter, to the extent
access to the animal is reasonably available.
(c) Subdivisions (a) and (b) shall be implemented to the extent
consistent with California law.