Current Status Introducing Body:House Bill Number:3656 Primary Sponsor:J. Bailey Committee Number:20 Type of Legislation:GB Subject:Pet to be examined before dealer may sell Residing Body:House Current Committee:Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Companion Bill Number:142 Computer Document Number:NO5/7325.BD Introduced Date:Mar 07, 1991 Last History Body:House Last History Date:Mar 07, 1991 Last History Type:Introduced, read first time, referred to Committee Scope of Legislation:Statewide All Sponsors:J. Bailey Type of Legislation:General Bill
Bill Body Date Action Description CMN
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3656 House Mar 07, 1991 Introduced, read first time, 20
referred to Committee
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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 47-13-160 SO AS TO REQUIRE A PET DEALER AND PET SHOP OWNER TO PROVIDE AN ANIMAL BUYER WITH A STATEMENT FROM A LICENSED VETERINARIAN THAT THE ANIMAL HAS BEEN EXAMINED AND IS FREE OF DISEASE AND DEFORMITY, PROVIDE REMEDIES, AND DEFINE TERMS.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 47-13-160. (A) A pet dealer and pet shop owner may not sell an animal without providing the buyer with a statement from a licensed veterinarian that the animal has been examined and is free of disease and deformity.
(B) If a dealer or owner fails to comply with the provisions of this section, the buyer may return the animal and receive a refund of his payment within twelve months of the sale.
(C) If the seller refuses to refund the buyer's payment pursuant to subsection (B), the buyer may institute an action in his name to recover damages. The court, upon a finding that the seller violated the provisions of this section, shall award the buyer three times the amount of the payment, attorney's fees as determined by the court, and costs.
(D) As used in this section:
(1) `Pet dealer' is a person engaged in the ordinary course of business and sale to the public for profit of an animal described as being registered or being capable of being registered with an animal pedigree organization.
(2) `Pet shop' means an establishment where companion animals are bought, sold, exchanged, or offered for sale or exchange to the public."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.