Change deals with allowing sale of dogs and cats on private property such as parking lots and flea markets
The Louisiana Senate last week removed a section of a bill that would have banned the sale of dogs and cats in parking lots and at flea markets. Senators amended House Bill 231 by Rep. Tony Ligi, R-Metairie, then passed it 38-0, sending the measure back to the House for approval of the changes.
Rep. Tony Ligi, R-MetairieLigi, who sponsored the bill on behalf of the United States Humane Society, said he will ask the House to reject the Senate-passed version and throw the bill into a joint House-Senate compromise committee to work out the differences in the two versions. When the bill left the House, it prohibited selling or exchanging dogs or cats on highways; rights of way; flea markets; commercial or retail parking lots; public parks, playgrounds and swimming pools; and any "other public recreational area or adjacent property to such locations."
Sen. Barrow Peacock, R-Shreveport, said individuals should be allowed to sell or swap the pets on private property, such as flea markets and parking lots, if the owner allows it. Ligi said the bill is designed to crack down on stray animals being sold, then neglected, forcing them into animal shelters. Violators would face a maximum $250 fine for a first offense; subsequent offenses could be punished by fines not exceeding $1,000.