LIHU‘E — A bill in the state Legislature proposing to end sales of unsterilized cats and dogs in Hawai‘i cleared two committees Tuesday and made potential headway for final approval, but not before erasing its spay and neuter section. SB
LIHU‘E — A bill in the state Legislature proposing to end sales of unsterilized cats and dogs in Hawai‘i cleared two committees Tuesday and made potential headway for final approval, but not before erasing its spay and neuter section.
SB 2405, in its original form, required pet sellers to implant an identification microchip in a dog or cat prior to sale or exchange and also prohibited pet sellers from selling an unsterilized dog or cat.
After a joint hearing Tuesday by Senate Commerce and Economic Development committees, the bill no longer has a sterilization requirement. Instead it would require that pet sellers provide information on spay and neuter options to customers.
Under the current language, pet stores will still have to implant microchips, but the cost of the implant will be passed on to the customer.
The bill also would prohibit sales of pets in public places, although humane groups that adopt out animals would be exempted.
Pet stores would also be required to provide information upon request to animal control officers during business hours.
The original bill proposed that a violation of the law would be a petty misdemeanor, which would result in a $50 fine. The amended version calls for a $500 fine.
The American Kennel Club urged the Senate to reject the bill, while the Humane Society of the United States recommended approval with stiffer penalties and stricter rules.
The majority of testimony submitted by individuals expressed dismay regarding the spay and neuter section of the bill.
SB 2504 was also referred to the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee, but a date for a hearing has not been set yet.
Visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov for more information.
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.
