Dear  ,

I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of great concern that deeply affects our community and the welfare of countless animals in California. 

California has long been recognized for its compassionate and progressive approach to social issues. However, the current state of animal welfare, particularly the highest euthanasia rates in the US and the highest in the Nation numbers of abandoned animals, calls for urgent attention and action.

Social media platforms have evolved into fertile ground for backyard breeders. As social media increasingly infiltrates our daily lives, a vast number of animals, including litters of puppies and kittens, are being sold through online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Craigslist.

The prevalence of animals in shelters can be attributed to the practices of amateur dog and cat breeders, commonly known as “backyard breeders.” Motivated primarily by profit, these breeders neglect the well-being of the animals they breed. The living conditions for these animals are frequently substandard, with basic necessities like vaccinations and veterinary care overlooked.

In contrast to reputable breeders, backyard breeders market their animals on social platforms without adequately screening potential buyers for responsible pet ownership. Consequently, many of these animals end up in the hands of other backyard breeders, perpetuating the cycle of overbreeding and exacerbating pet overpopulation in our communities.

Animal organizations are currently grappling with overcapacity and urgently require community support to hold backyard breeders accountable. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for social media platforms to be held accountable for preventing the dissemination of illegal animal sales through their platforms.

This lack of oversight poses serious risks to animal welfare, greatly contributes to an animal overpopulation crisis and highlights the urgent need for regulation in the online pet trade. As part of adequate response to the Animal overproduction crisis State legislators and the government must take decisive actions to implement systemic responses to curb the crisis. By enacting online animal sales regulations and enforcement measures, we can protect animals from exploitation and ensure responsible breeding and selling practices.

As your elector, I urge you to introduce a systemic approach, to Regulate the Online Animal Sales.

Please also ensure the enforcement measures. Altogether this will help to stop uncontrolled flow of the animals that is hurting our communities::

• Social media companies need to Stop providing  platforms for illegal Animals Sales 

• Establish Legitimacy Verification Protocols on their platforms

• Platforms should require proof of proper registration of all breeders/sellers that include contact details such as full address, status (hobby/commercial) and official registration number ( Business/Tax ID, Licensing information)

• Animal Rescue organizations are already Required to provide full Registration Packages to Facebook. The same requirements should be applied across all of the ‘puppy Adoption and Rehoming’ pages on social platforms. 

• If the Page claims to be a “Rescue’ – a proof of Affiliation with a Rescue should be required

• Animal Rehoming Groups and Communities should be ‘public’ and not be ‘closed” ( membership only)
• Online platforms, competent authorities and law enforcement should collaborate closely on developing enforcement standards to protect our society from harmful animal trade.

I also kindly request your support in championing legislation that addresses the animal Overpopulation comprehensively. 

California needs an approach that is centered on both animals and communities, rather than catering solely to big-money interests and powerful lobbies. Key components for humane animal population management:

State Funded Spay -neuter availability and affordability throughout the communities is crucial at curbing overpopulation at its root. Increased funding for spay-neuter programs and ensuring access to affordable veterinary services throughout communities.  

Laws and regulations around breeding and selling of animals including online animal sales  to keep animals safe and from being overbred, and prevent breeders and sellers from conducting business in illegal ways.

Mandatory identification and registration of animals are essential when it comes to traceability, responsible ownership, breeding/selling of animals, including online sales, combating illegal or criminal activities, managing stray animal populations, preventing public health risks, and handling zoonotic disease outbreaks. 

I am grateful for your attention to this matter and am hopeful that we can work together to enact meaningful change

Thank you for your dedication to our community and its four-legged residents.

Sincerely,