Kentucky pet stores that sell dogs would face steep penalties for failing to comply with several new proposed requirements.

Under House Bill 518, a pet store—before selling a dog—would have to provide the name, complete address and telephone number of the breeder, the breeding kennel where the dog was kept, and the dealer from whom the pet store acquired the dog; or provide proof that the dog was acquired from a private owner, an animal shelter or other source.

The legislation also provides that, at the time of sale, a pet store must provide the buyer with:

• A certificate of medical health completed and attested to by a veterinarian, stating that the veterinarian has examined the dog and found no evidence of disease, illness or injury at the time of the examination; or
• A money-back guarantee for the purchase price of the dog, which must be valid for at least 21 days after the date of purchase—provided the buyer presents to the pet store a statement from a veterinarian who examined the dog within 14 days of purchase, attesting the dog has a significant disease, illness or injury that existed at the time of sale. In addition, the buyer may keep the dog.

Noncompliant pet stores would be liable to the buyer for up to three times the purchase price of a dog, plus any veterinary expenses the buyer incurs for one year after the date of the sale, up to $500. Furthermore, the pet store also would be liable for the purchaser’s attorney fees. The buyer would also get to keep the dog.

The bill awaited its first public hearing in the House Committee on Judiciary at press time. [June 2008 PET AGE]