California · Health and Safety Code - HSC

HSC §122205: Except as provided for in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 122140, no pet dealer shall knowingly sell a dog that is diseased, ill, or has a condition, any one of which r

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

Pet dealers cannot knowingly sell diseased or ill dogs requiring hospitalization or surgery. Violations result in civil penalties up to $10,000 and/or retail sales prohibitions, enforced by district or city attorneys.

Read the full statutory text
Except as provided for in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 122140, no pet dealer shall knowingly sell a dog that is diseased, ill, or has a condition, any one of which requires hospitalization or surgical procedures. In lieu of the civil penalties imposed pursuant to Section 122150, any pet dealer who violates this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or shall be prohibited from selling dogs at retail for up to 30 days, or both. If there is a second offense, the pet dealer shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or a prohibition from selling dogs at retail for up to 90 days, or both. For a third offense, the pet dealer shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) or a prohibition from selling dogs at retail for up to six months, or both. For a fourth and subsequent offense, the pet dealer shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or a prohibition from selling dogs at retail for up to one year, or both. For purposes of this section, a violation that occurred over five years prior to the most recent violation shall not be considered. An action for recovery of the civil penalty and for a court order enjoining the pet dealer from engaging in the business of selling dogs at retail for the period set forth in this section, may be prosecuted by the district attorney for the county where the violation occurred, or the city attorney for the city where the violation occurred, in the appropriate court.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.