Update: This bill failed to pass.
Bill Description: If passed, this bill will require that vendors who sell animals at flea markets must be licensed and provide basic care for the animals offered for sale at the flea markets. Animal shelters, pet stores, kennels, and auctions already follow these rules.
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This is a commonsense requirement which requires the provision of food and water as well as sanitary cages that are not overly crowded. Overcrowded conditions while the animals are awaiting retail sale can negatively impact animal welfare and set the stage for disease, illness, and injury. Overcrowded cages place stress on the animals housed within them, and this can lead animals to fight and injure each other, to self-mutilate, or to engage in repetitive stereotypic behaviors. The stress and injuries also can increase the risk of disease to the animals.