Animals: sale of pets: intentional genomic alterations.

Assembly Member Castillo's genomic pet modification legislation establishes new parameters for the sale and importation of genetically altered pets in California, prohibiting modifications except those specifically aimed at improving animal health or enhancing human-animal interactions.

The bill defines intentional genomic alterations as changes to an animal's DNA using modern molecular technologies, including targeted or random sequence modifications. While the legislation generally prohibits the sale or import of pets with such alterations, it creates two specific exemptions: modifications that make animals resistant to diseases or health conditions, and those that enhance human interaction, such as developing hypoallergenic traits. The bill explicitly excludes cosmetic changes like novel fur colors or the removal of natural features such as claws or vocal cords from these exemptions.

Under the enforcement provisions, each violation incurs a minimum civil penalty of $5,000, with district attorneys and city attorneys authorized to pursue cases within their jurisdictions. The collected penalties flow to the enforcing city or county. The legislation applies to a broad range of household pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds, and fish, establishing uniform standards across the pet trade for genetic modifications.