IDEAS SO GOOD THEY HAVE TO BE MANDATORY: California will soon require pet stores to only sell rescue dogs and cats.

Under California’s AB 485 law, all pet stores also must maintain records for each animal, including a sign that lists the name of the shelter that the animal was obtained. Stores that violate the new law will be subjected to a fine of $500.

Individuals in California, however, can still buy from private breeders.

“For how much longer?” seems like a fair question.

My wife and I are the proud and happy owners of two rescue dogs, but we wouldn’t think of making a different choice more difficult for anyone else.