Consumer Protection

Merger would have further squeezed the pockets of grocery shoppers

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement after Albertsons announced it was terminating its $24.6 billion merger with Kroger. Kroger and Albertsons are the largest supermarket chains in the country, and the proposed merger presented a significant risk of reduced competition and higher food prices nationwide, especially in Southern California. In February 2024, Attorney General Bonta joined the Federal Trade Commission and a bipartisan coalition of states in filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Portland to challenge the proposed merger. Today’s announcement follows a court decision yesterday halting the proposed merger. 

“As the fifth largest economy in the world, California has an outsized responsibility in ensuring business practices are fair and competitive, and this week, we’ve delivered. Corporate consolidation means big profits for corporations out of the pockets of California consumers and our local economies. The end of the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger is a tremendous victory for grocery shoppers, workers, and businesses who compete fairly,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I am proud of the work my office has done in collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission and remain steadfast in my commitment to economic justice and protecting an economy where both businesses and families can thrive.”

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general in sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of rules that would require internet, cable, voice, and broadcast satellite providers to improve customer service calls and access to live agents, allowing for a better and more informed consumer experience.

 “Customer service allows consumers to dispute charges, voice concerns, and ensure businesses are held accountable for providing fair treatment and quality products,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As more functions of our lives move online, internet, cable, and broadcast satellite services become essential for Californians; consumers must have quality and easy ways to access help and remedy if they have issues with services. I am proud today, and every day, to advocate for fairness and accessibility for California consumers.”

In the letter, the attorneys general advocate for the adoption of rules that would help consumers more efficiently resolve issues, avoid unnecessary charges, and make informed choices regarding the services that they receive from internet, cable, voice, and broadcast satellite providers.

The proposed rules include:  

• Automatic credit for service outages 
• Minimum training for customer service representatives 
• Extending service times outside normal business hours 
• Prohibition of service fees to skip waiting times
• Extending certain existing cable-service requirements, like the mandated use of live representatives, to broadcast satellite providers, voice-service providers, and broadband-service providers

Attorney General Bonta believes every Californian can benefit from economic growth and consumer protections and is committed to enforcing the laws that safeguard California consumers, advocating for stronger protections, and informing consumers of their rights.

In sending the letter, Attorney General Bonta was joined by the Attorneys General of Pennsylvania, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.

To read the letter in its entirety, please see here.

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a bipartisan coalition of 51 attorneys general in sending warning letters to four telecom companies for transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic on their networks, including robocalls that impersonated government officials or involved scams related to auto warranty, tech support, utilities, the IRS or Social Security Administration, or other scams. Advances in technology have allowed illegal and spoofed robocalls to be made more cheaply, easily, and from anywhere in the world. Today’s announcement is the latest in a large effort to protect California consumers from illegal robocalls.

“The robocalls that disrupt our lives and bombard us with never ending voicemails aren’t just annoying, in many cases they are illegal and a vehicle for harmful scams,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I am proud to join in this national, bipartisan effort to protect consumers from unwanted robocalls and the risk of financial harm.” 

In the warning letter, Attorney General Bonta and the attorneys general on the nationwide Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force (Task Force) warn KWK Communications, Inc.; Inbound Communications, Inc.; AKA Management, Inc.; and CallVox LLC that they need to stop transmitting any unlawful call traffic immediately, as they violate state and federal laws. If these providers continue to transmit robocalls, the Task Force may pursue further legal actions against these companies and their owners. In the warning letters, the Task Force also informs the providers that it has shared the findings of its investigations with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which will consider appropriate next steps. 

The Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force of 51 bipartisan attorneys general investigates and takes legal action against those responsible for routing significant volumes of illegal robocall traffic into and across the United States.

Attorney General Bonta is committed to enforcing consumer protections in the state of California and speaking out for consumer protections nationwide, including working to put a stop to illegal robocalls. 

In 2024, Attorney General Bonta: 

• Joined a bipartisan coalition of 47 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter to the FCC in support of its proposed rules designed to protect consumers from illegal robocalls by increasing the effectiveness of the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database.
• Joined the Federal Communications Commission and the Task Force in sending a warning letter to a telecom company responsible for transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic, including robocalls that impersonated government officials. 
• Joined a coalition of 51 bipartisan attorneys general in issuing a warning letter to a company that allegedly sent New Hampshire residents scam election robocalls during the New Hampshire primary election. 
• Joined a coalition of 26 attorneys general in filing a comment letter responding to the FCC notice of inquiry related to the potential impact of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology on efforts to protect consumers from illegal robocalls or robotexts. 

In May 2023, Attorney General Bonta, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general, announced a lawsuit against Avid Telecom for allegedly initiating and facilitating billions of unlawful robocalls that included Social Security Administration scams, Medicare scams, and employment scams. 

Copies of the letters are available here.

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a statement after a federal judge halted the merger of Kroger and Albertsons, finding that a challange is likely to succeed on the merits. Kroger and Albertsons are the largest supermarket chains in the country, and the proposed merger presented a significant risk of reduced competition and higher food prices nationwide. In February 2024, Attorney General Bonta joined the Federal Trade Commission and a bipartisan coalition of states in filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Portland to challenge the proposed merger.  

“Halting the Kroger and Albertsons megamerger is a win for California households and communities. As many families continue to feel the burden of inflation, fighting corporate consolidation that threatens to increase grocery prices is more important than ever,” said Attorney General Bonta. “In some markets in Southern California, Kroger-Albertsons would have been the only one-stop grocery option, leaving consumers limited choice over where to shop – and for workers in this industry, where to work. I am tremendously proud of the work of my office and our partners across the state and country in raising the alarm about what this merger would have meant for our communities.” 

In California specifically, the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger was expected to further consolidate the highly concentrated retail grocery market in Southern California, leading consumers to face fewer choices and higher prices. The merger was also expected to reduce the ability of unions to negotiate working conditions at these stores, impacting thousands of employees in California.

A copy of the decision is available here. 

As part of the Attorney General’s commitment to enforce antitrust laws, the California Department of Justice has just launched its new Antitrust Complaint Form. Please click here to report anticompetitive conduct that potentially violates the antitrust laws.

SAN DIEGO – Today in San Diego, California Attorney General Rob Bonta joined Sharia’s Closet to share tips and resources on how to donate safely and avoid scams while giving this holiday season. Attorney General Bonta has primary regulatory oversight of charities and the professional fundraisers who solicit on their behalf in California. The Attorney General may investigate and bring legal action against charities that misuse charitable assets or engage in fraudulent fundraising practices. In providing today’s tips, Attorney General Bonta encourages donors to take the necessary steps to ensure that their donations get into the correct hands.

“As the holiday season approaches, Californians once again exemplify the true spirit of generosity by volunteering time, donating goods, or making financial contributions to support charitable organizations doing incredible work in our communities. Sharia’s Closet is one of those organizations, and provides free, emergency clothing, diapers, and household essentials to those experiencing financial hardship or facing times of crisis,” said Attorney General Bonta.  “I want to thank them for their critical work and for partnering with us as we share tips to avoid charity scams. I encourage all Californians to extend a helping hand but be wary of potential scammers who might exploit your generosity and compassion. If you believe that a charity or fundraiser is engaged in misconduct, please report it immediately at oag.ca.gov/charities/complaints.”

“At Sharia's Closet, we believe that a small act of kindness can make a world of difference,” said Shamine Linton, CEO of Sharia’s Closet. “Every donation, every moment of support, and every effort to help, transforms lives.”

Tips on How to Donate Safely and Avoid Charity Fraud

• Check the Registration Status: Charities and professional fundraisers soliciting donations in California are required to register with the Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers (Registry). They are also required to file annual financial reports. Before you donate, make sure to confirm that the charity is registered and up to date with its financial reporting. Our registry search tool allows you to search the Registry’s database and verify whether a charitable organization or fundraiser has complied with the Attorney General’s registration and reporting requirements.
• Give to Organizations You Trust: Always do your research before making a donation. Review the charity’s annual financial reports to find out how much of your donation will actually be spent on the charitable cause, as well as how much, or if any, will go to overhead and other expenses. Research charities in your community and support those that make a positive impact.
• Don’t Be Pressured by Telemarketers: If you receive a call from a telemarketer, do not fall for pressure tactics or threats. Remember, you have the right to decline a donation request and can hang up. If you are interested in donating to a particular organization, you can visit their website or contact them directly to get more information, and give directly to that organizations.
• Be Cautious of "Look-Alike" and Fake Websites and Emails: Be on the lookout for websites and emails that use slightly different web addresses (URLs) or email addresses in order to pass off as a legitimate charity. Scammers sometimes purchase these types of URLs or create fake email accounts in order to trick potential donors into donating to a look-alike website or steal your information. Be careful of fake websites by closely looking at the web address, and be cautious of web addresses that end in a series of numbers.
• Watch Out for Similar-Sounding Names and Other Deceptive Tactics: Some organizations use names that closely resemble those of well-established charitable organizations in order to mislead donors. Additionally, if you receive an email from an organization to which you have never donated, take extra precautions before clicking on any links. Be skeptical if someone thanks you for a pledge or donation that you never made, as scammers use this trick to deceive you into paying them. If you are unsure whether or not you made a donation, make sure to check your records.
• Be Alert to Fundraising via Peer-to-Peer Social Network: Do not assume charitable fundraising that you see on social media are legitimate, even if the charitable campaign is shared by someone that you trust. If you plan to donate through a social network solicitation, do your research and find out whether your donation is going directly to a charity or to the person who created the campaign, whether the person who created the campaign will keep a portion of your donation, or if you will be charged a fee for donating.
• Protect Your Identity: Never give your Social Security number, credit card information, or other personal identifiable information in response to a charitable solicitation. Some organizations may sell or rent their donor lists to other organizations, including organizations that are not charities. Before making a donation, review the charity’s privacy policy to find out if your information will be shared with outside companies.
• Be Careful When Making Electronic Donations: Electronic donations — such as donations made via text, QR Codes, and portable credit card readers — have become common practice due to their ability to provide a quick and easy way to donate on the spot. While convenient, remember that anyone can create a QR code, send a text, or buy a portable card reader. Always confirm that the solicitation was submitted by a charity, or that the person facilitating the transaction is authorized to receive donations on behalf of a charity. Always check your receipt and your credit card/online payment method statement to ensure that the transaction charged to your account is accurate.

For more information on how to protect yourself against charity fraud, visit our donation tips webpage at oag.ca.gov/donations.

Bill to raise public awareness, turn the tide of a growing public health crisis

SAN FRANCISCO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) today introduced Assembly Bill 56 (AB 56), legislation that would arm people with clear information about the risks of social media for kids and teens. Adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. AB 56 would require social media companies to disclose this risk to users by adding a warning label to their platforms to ensure consumers have equitable access to information that may affect their health. 

“Social media companies have demonstrated an unwillingness to tackle the mental health crisis, instead digging in deeper into harnessing addictive features and harmful content for the sake of profits. It is our responsibility to make sure consumers have access to information that may affect their health, so they can make the best choices for themselves and their families," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "Social media warning labels are an equitable and transparent way to communicate the risks that social media engagement poses to young users. Warning labels alone are not a panacea, they are another tool in the toolbox to address the growing mental health crisis and protect future generations of children."

“Social media platforms have built systems designed to keep our children endlessly engaged, often at the expense of their mental health,” said Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. “This bill shines a light on those harms and ensures that families are equipped with critical information to make informed choices. I’m proud to partner with Attorney General Bonta to prioritize the well-being of California’s youth.”

“Time spent on social media can displace time for other healthful activities, including sleep, exercise, and in-person socialization,” said Dr. Jason Nagata, MD, a pediatrician who specializes in adolescent mental health. “While social media can provide educational content, it can also provide misinformation about health, and expose children to content that damages their mental well-being. These are risks that adolescents and their parents should be aware of." 

“When it comes to protecting kids from the risks of social media, California has always been a leader, and that continues today with this legislative proposal to make sure that people who use social media will be warned about its negative effects,” said James P. Steyer, Founder and CEO of Common Sense Media. “Just like we needed seat belts and warning labels for alcohol, we now need digital safety standards for social media platforms. Common Sense Media applauds Attorney General Bonta and Assemblywoman Bauer-Kahan for their leadership, and we look forward to working together to pass this important bill."

A growing body of research links young people’s use of social media platforms to a variety of serious harms, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Algorithm-driven social media use also interferes with adolescents’ daily lives by chronically disrupting their sleep with irresistible algorithmic recommendations, infinite scrolling, and a constant stream of notifications designed to keep kids relentlessly engaged on the platform. 

Earlier this year, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called on Congress to require a surgeon general’s warning on social media platforms. Attorney General Bonta, joined by a bipartisan coalition of 42 attorneys general, supported this proposal and argued that by mandating a surgeon general’s warning on algorithm-driven social media platforms, Congress can address the growing youth mental health crisis and protect future generations of Americans. Under AB 56, the black box warning must be displayed to users of all ages upon their first use of the platform and after this, at least once weekly. The warning would be displayed continuously for a duration of at least 90 seconds.

Attorney General Bonta is steadfast in his commitment to create a safer online for children and teens. Today’s action does not stand alone — it is an important piece in the greater arc to protect children online.

 In October 2024, Attorney General Bonta co-led a bipartisan coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing separate enforcement actions against TikTok for violations of state consumer protection laws. California’s action alleges that TikTok exploits and harms young users and deceives the public about the social media platform’s dangers. In October 2023, Attorney General Bonta co-led a bipartisan coalition of 33 attorneys general in filing a federal lawsuit against Meta alleging the company designed and deployed harmful features that addict children and teens to their mental and physical detriment, and in November 2023, he announced the public release of a largely unredacted copy of the federal complaint. In September 2024, Attorney General Bonta’s sponsored bill, Senate Bill 976 (SB 976) was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. SB 976 provides important new protections for young people in California by resetting the defaults on social media platforms to disfavor addictive algorithmic feeds, notifications, and other addictive design features that lead children and teens to spend hours and hours on their platforms. 

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today urged shoppers to be on the lookout for common scams this holiday season and offered tips on how to shop safely. As Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approach, Californians should stay alert and take action to protect themselves and their loved ones from purchases that can cause headaches and heartbreak.   

“As the holiday season approaches and folks look for the best deals, consumers should slow down and check their safety list twice,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I urge Californians to know their rights, familiarize themselves with shopping pitfalls, and report scams and illegal activity to my office and local law enforcement agencies. Happy and safe shopping, California!”

Be On the Lookout For: 

Gift Card Draining  

Gift card draining is a scam in which bad actors record pin numbers and other information from unpurchased gift cards. Once those cards are purchased by unsuspecting consumers, and money is loaded into the card, the scammer immediately uses the numbers to make purchases, leaving buyers with worthless gift cards. 

When purchasing a gift card, make sure the card is sealed and the protective cover and tape covering the pin is intact; remember to keep the store receipt in case the gift card you purchase is found to have been compromised. If a purchased gift card is compromised, report it to the gift card company directly, ask for a freeze on the card, and request a refund. You may also file a complaint with our office at oag.ca.gov/report. 

Hidden Fees 

Check your receipts! In California most hidden fees are illegal. Senate Bill 478 (SB 478) requires that the price listed includes all mandatory charges consumers will pay. SB 478, which went into effect on July 1, 2024, makes it illegal for a business to advertise or list a price for a good or service that does not include all required fees or charges except for certain government taxes and shipping costs. 

Mandatory fees charged by restaurants, bars, and other select food vendors are exempted from SB 478’s requirements so long as the fee is clearly and conspicuously displayed on the menu. Consumers who observe apparent violations are encouraged to have a conversation with the business about coming into compliance. Consumers, employees, and competitor businesses who observe apparent violations can also file a complaint with our office at oag.ca.gov/report.

Gender-Based Price Differences

Under AB 1287, businesses are prohibited from charging different prices for substantially similar goods based on the gender of the product’s target audience — a practice known as the “Pink Tax” when it is used to charge women higher prices than men for essentially the same goods. If you have seen or believe you are the victim of illegal gender-based price differences, please file a complaint at oag.ca.gov/report.

Lack of a Gender-Neutral Products Section

Does your department store have a gender-neutral children section? As of January 1, 2024, large retail department stores that sell childcare items or toys must maintain a gender-neutral section for these items. Under AB 1084, retail department stores that have physical locations in California and 500 or more employees across all California locations must maintain a gender-neutral section, where a reasonable selection of the childcare items and toys for children that they sell must be displayed, regardless of whether these products are traditionally marketed for boys or girls. By requiring large retailers to maintain a gender-neutral section, AB 1084 makes it more difficult for these retailers to engage in gender-based pricing discrimination and reduces the imposition of gender stereotypes on children.

If you do not see an adequate gender-neutral product section in a large retail department store in California that you believe is covered by this law, you may take pictures, document, and file a complaint with our office at oag.ca.gov/report. 

Tips for Safe Shopping:

• Take time to compare products. To get the best deal, do research, check product comparison sites, and read online reviews.
• Be suspicious of a price or deal that seems too good to be true. Chances are, it probably is. There is always the possibility that the seller may not send you anything, or the item you get may be counterfeit or stolen.
• Check to see if a business is legitimate. Search online for customer feedback, complaints, and other information that will help you determine whether a seller is legitimate or trustworthy. More information on how to check a company’s background can be found here.  
• Use a credit card when shopping. Shopping with a credit card allows you to dispute charges if something goes wrong. Cash, money order, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers do not provide you with the same ability to reverse the charge. If you receive an unauthorized or incorrect charge on your credit card, you can follow these steps to dispute the charge.
• Give gifts, not personal information. Before providing any personal or financial information online, always make sure that the website you are on is secure. You can check this by looking at the URL address to see if it begins with "https" (the “s” indicates it’s secure) and/or has a lock icon displayed, typically on the left-hand side. Do not provide your credit card number, checking account, or social security number via email, as this is never a safe way to transmit financial information. You can find more tips regarding online purchases here.
• Don’t open links from unsolicited text messages. You may receive text messages from unknown numbers offering discount codes or access to exclusive sales. Think twice before clicking on these links, as they may expose you to a scam, hacker, downloadable malware, or add your number to a calling list without your consent. 
• Close accounts on websites and apps that you no longer need. By closing your accounts, you remove private data from services you no longer use and minimize your digital footprint. You have the right to delete your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act. More information on data privacy and security can be found here.
• Understand the pitfalls of zero-interest financing offers. While a company may advertise a zero-interest rate, be aware that not everyone will qualify. Oftentimes, qualifying for zero-interest financing requires you to have a near-perfect credit score. Zero-interest financing may also come with certain restrictions, and in many cases the offer may just be an introductory rate, with a very high-interest rate once the introductory period ends. You can find additional information on zero-interest financing here.
• Be cautious about “Buy Now, Pay Later” financing. Buy now, pay later offers can come with hefty interest rates and late fees, especially if you aren’t able to make payments on time. Late payments can also hurt your credit and result in lawsuits by debt collectors. You can find additional information on buy, now pay later financing here. 

Continues work to protect consumers from unwanted robocalls

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a bipartisan coalition of 47 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of its proposed rules designed to protect consumers from illegal robocalls by increasing the effectiveness of the FCC’s Robocall Mitigation Database. The FCC currently requires all voice-service providers operating in the U.S. to provide this public FCC database with information regarding their caller-ID authentication system and a detailed robocall-mitigation plan to minimize illegal call traffic. The proposed FCC rules would strengthen these filing requirements and increase penalties for noncompliance. In the letter, the attorneys general argue that these proposals aimed at increasing accountability and accuracy among filers are necessary for the database to remain an effective tool in the fight against unwanted robocalls.

“Robocalls are not only annoying, they can also facilitate scams that result in real financial losses for Californians. This is a nationwide problem, and we need nationwide solutions,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The Robocall Mitigation Database is an essential resource to combat illegal robocalls and should treated as more than just a formality. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to ensure the tools in our toolbox remain effective in fighting robocalls and protecting consumers.”

The Robocall Mitigation Database is an anti-robocall public database tool created by the FCC. The FCC proposal aims to make reporting information to the database — and the database itself — more effective by implementing policies to identify deficient filings, requiring the correction of flawed filings, and enforcing consequences for filings that are, false, incomplete, or misleading. In the letter, the attorneys general express support for the proposal and recognize it as an important continuation of bipartisan work to protect consumers from illegal and fraudulent robocall traffic. 

Attorney General Bonta is committed to enforcing consumer protections in the state of California and speaking out for consumer protections nationwide, including working to put a stop to illegal robocalls. Attorney General Bonta is part of the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, a task force of 51 bipartisan attorneys general who investigate and take legal action against those responsible for routing significant volumes of illegal robocall traffic into and across the United States. 

•  Last month, Attorney General Bonta issued a warning letter to a telecom company responsible for transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic, including robocalls that impersonated government officials.
•  In February, Attorney General Bonta joined a coalition of 51 bipartisan attorneys general in issuing a warning letter to a company that allegedly sent New Hampshire residents scam election robocalls during the New Hampshire primary election. 
• In January, Attorney General Bonta filed a comment letter responding to the FCC related to the potential impact of emerging artificial intelligence technology on efforts to protect consumers from illegal robocalls and robotexts.
• In May 2023, Attorney General Bonta, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general, announced a lawsuit against Avid Telecom for allegedly initiating and facilitating billions of unlawful robocalls that included Social Security Administration scams, Medicare scams, and employment scams.

In sending today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Arkansas, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

A copy of the comment letter is available here. 

Schemes to sell sick puppies leave new owners with high vet bills and anguish

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today urged consumers looking to purchase pets to be vigilant for deceptive and criminal breeders. These breeders often subject animals to unhygienic and cruel living conditions, leading to poor health outcomes for pets and high veterinary bills and heartache for new owners. Puppy mills are commercial dog breeding facilities that disregard dogs' health and safety to maximize profits. Deceptive breeders will often advertise puppies as having been born to a litter in the breeder’s home when in reality, puppies are born in puppy mills.

“I adopted my dogs, Luna and Solí, from a shelter, and they have become deeply cherished members of our family. While I highly encourage Californians to adopt their pets from animal shelters and rescue organizations, consumers who continue to purchase their dogs from breeders should ensure the person they are buying from is responsible, honest, and credible,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Tragically and too often, shady breeders only interested in making a profit sell chronically sick, injured, and mistreated puppies to unsuspecting consumers. This is sickening. I urge Californians to be vigilant and watch out for negligent breeders.” 

"Consumers greatly underestimate the variety and selection of beautiful, healthy, friendly pets they can find in shelters statewide, and we strongly urge them to check with their local shelters first when ready for a new pet," said Jill Tucker, CEO of the California Animal Welfare Association. "Shelters throughout California are inundated with wonderful puppies, kittens, and adult animals that are ready for new homes, along with knowledgeable staff and volunteers that will help them select the right match. There has never been a better time to adopt."

Know What to Look For:

A reputable breeder should meet you in person — not sell their puppies or kittens through pet stores or online to people they have not met. They will show you records and openly share details about how the animal was born and raised, individual records of health tests and veterinary records for the animal and their parents, and the animals’ living conditions. Be suspicious if a breeder doesn't ask you questions or seem concerned about the well-being of their animals. Responsible breeders will want you to sign a contract and will ask you to return the pet to them if you are ever unable to keep them.

Deceitful sellers may understand you want to take precautions and try to persuade you that it’s not necessary. The California Department of Justice urges consumers who obtain their pets from breeders to do the following:

• Get a referral and ask for references. Ask your veterinarian, trusted friends, local breed clubs, and professional dog or cat shows to find a reputable breeder. Ask breeders for references, including those of the veterinarians they use.
• Visit the breeder’s home. Be sure the animals’ living conditions are clean and humane. Ask to see the animal’s parents and the nursery area yourself. Never buy a puppy or kitten without visiting where they and their parents were raised and housed—don’t just trust papers and pictures.
• Be wary of a seller who sells animals from a parking lot or other location other than their home. Some scammers use this tactic and then disappear, leaving new owners stuck with large veterinary bills and heartache. Scammers often resell puppies from puppy mills and make up stories for sympathy.
• Ask the seller lots of questions and verify their official identification. Make sure the breeder is responsible. Many responsible breeders often rigorously evaluate buyers. Credible breeders often belong to purebred animal breeding clubs and demonstrate high ethical values regarding the breeding of animals. Make sure to ask lots of questions about the pet’s history, temperament, and other important information.
• Make sure the animal has been examined by a veterinarian. Get copies of all medical records, and confirm the records with the vet directly—if medical records are missing, that is a red flag. Make sure the animal is vaccinated—unvaccinated puppies and kittens may have already contracted a serious disease.
• Pay with a traceable form of payment rather than cash and ask for a receipt. The receipt should include the seller’s name, address, and license number — a seller who only accepts cash or won’t provide a receipt is not a reputable seller.
• Insist on a written guarantee of good health and find out if the animal can be returned for any reason. A seller who agrees to provide a written health guarantee and to accept return of the animal is more likely to care about the animal and have their best interest in mind.
• Be wary if the puppy or kitten seems ill, depressed, or lethargic. These could be signs of serious medical problems.
• Take your new pet to your vet. Ensure your new pet undergoes an exam and any necessary vaccinations as soon as possible.

Understand Your Rights:

California law allows select small breeders and pet retailers to sell pets if they maintain health and safety standards for their animals and provides for a remedy for consumers who unknowingly purchase sick pets.

The Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act (CA Health & Safety Code § 122125 et seq.)

Pet retailers selling more than 50 dogs or cats a year to must have a permit, maintain health and safety standards for their animals, sell only healthy animals, and provide written spay-neuter, health, and animal history disclosures to pet buyers.

If a dog or cat becomes ill due to a pre-existing illness within 15 days from purchase, or if the pet is adversely affected by a congenital or hereditary condition within one year from purchase, the seller must offer the owner a refund, exchange another puppy or kitten, or reimbursement of veterinary bills up to 150% of the pet’s purchase price. 

The Polanco-Lockyer Pet Breeder Warranty Act (CA Health & Safety Code § 122045 et seq.)

The law offers protection similar to that of the Lockyer-Polanco-Farr Pet Protection Act except that it applies only to dog breeders who sold or gave away either three litters or 20 dogs in the previous year.

AB 485  

AB 485, which went into effect in January 2019, prohibits pet store operators from selling animals unless they were obtained from a public animal control agency, shelter, or animal rescue group. This law does not prohibit someone from obtaining an animal directly from a breeder.

Helpful Resources:

If you are concerned about a possible puppy mill in your area, please file a complaint with The Humane Society, here.

If you suspect criminal conduct related to a puppy mill or breeder, please file a complaint with your local District Attorney's Office. You may also file a complaint with our office at oag.ca.gov/report.

SAN FRANCISCO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today delivered remarks on California Department of Justice’s preparations to protect California’s values, people, and natural resources ahead of a second Trump Administration. To view a recording of the press conference, please visit here. 

Attorney General Bonta's Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

As the reality of a second Trump Administration takes hold, I know there is a great deal of fear, sadness, anxiety, and panic. 

I understand. 

I’m here today to reassure you that in California, progress will prevail. 

No matter who is in the White House, no matter who holds control of Congress, in California we will keep moving forward. 

In California, we will choose calm over chaos. 

Fact over fiction.

Belonging over blame.

Unity over division. 

“Us and we” over “I and me.” 

It’s why we’re the 5th largest economy in the world. Not in spite of our commitment to workers, consumers, and the environment, because of it. 

Because we’re the largest and most diverse state in the nation.

Because we believe in the power of inclusivity.

Because we believe in truth over lies. Hope over hate. Light over dark.

Because  we believe in looking forward.

It’s who we are in the Golden State. It’s in our DNA. Nothing and no one can change that. 

As Attorney General, I’ll continue to use the full force of the law and authority of this office to address injustice. 

To stand up for all people, especially those who have long been overlooked and undervalued.

To safeguard reproductive rights. 

And advocate for more housing — especially more affordable housing for lower and middle-income families just trying to get by.

I’ll continue to take on greedy corporate giants and fight for more affordable gas, groceries, and everything in between.  

I’ll continue to defend our world-renowned natural resources and protect them for generations to come. 

Continue to fight for clean water to drink and clean air to breathe.

Continue to crack down on illicit guns on our streets and get fentanyl out of our neighborhoods. 

Continue to fight for workers.

I’ll continue to protect, defend, and serve every single Californian. No matter your politics. 

I’m here to ensure every person — no matter how they look, how much money they make, where they’re from, who they love, how they identify, or how they pray — can pursue their version of the California Dream. 

A fair wage and good benefits.  

A safe and affordable place to live.  

Affordable and accessible health care. 

Good schools to send our kids to. 

Safe neighborhoods to raise our families. 

That’s my promise to you, no matter who is in the White House.  

We’ve been here before.

We lived through Trump 1.0. 

We know what he’s capable of. 

We know what plans he has in store. 

The silver lining is just that: we know. 

We know to take Trump at his word when he says he’ll roll back environmental protections, go after our immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, attack our civil rights, and restrict access to essential reproductive care.

Which means, we won’t be flat-footed come January.

You can be sure that as California Attorney General, if Trump attacks your rights: I’ll be there. 

If Trump comes after your freedoms: I’ll be there. 

If Trump jeopardizes your safety and well-being: I’ll be there.

California DOJ did it before and we’ll do it again.  

During the last Trump Administration, California DOJ fought to stop illegal rollbacks and proposals that would’ve harmed the well-being, health, safety, and civil rights of our people and of people across the country. 

That would have caused irrevocable damage to our environment.

No matter who is in charge of the federal government…

No matter what the incoming Administration has in store… California will remain the steadfast beacon of progress it has long been.  

A constant, unwavering, immoveable force to be reckoned with.  

We’ll continue to be a check on overreach and push back on abuse of power. 

Be the antidote to dangerous, extremist, hateful vitriol.

Be the blueprint of progress for the nation to look to.

Remember: in moments of chaos in D.C., you can always look to California for calm resolve. 

California leaders across the state are ready to stand arm-in-arm. 

Governor Newsom and every single Constitutional Officer;  

Senator Padilla and Senator-elect Schiff;  

Democratic members of Congress; 

Pro Tem McGuire, Speaker Rivas, and the California Legislature; 

Mayors, supervisors, and city councilmembers from San Francisco to San Diego are ready to fight for our California values. 

For our people. For our environment.

For progress and justice.

And as necessary, we’re ready to take on the challenges of a second Trump Administration — together.

While a great deal of change is on the horizon…

California’s path to progress remains full steam ahead.

It may not always be linear. Progress so rarely is. 

It zigs and zags. Takes frustrating detours. Inches forward and backward and forward again. 

The detours and setbacks don’t define our progress.

Our commitment to forward momentum defines our progress. Defines us. 

It’s what we do next that will define us. 

If you’re feeling despondent today, remember that you’re not alone. 

In California, we’re not looking back. We’re not moving back. 

We’re California! We’ll meet any challenges head on and rise to the occasion.

As is so often said, as California goes, so goes the nation.

In the days and months and years to come, all eyes will look west. 

In California, they’ll see: we’re still moving forward.

Thank you.