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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 28, 2018 03:53 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Maureen E. Madden and Rep. Jeanne McNeill |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibiting the Practice of Pet Leasing |
| In the near future, in partnership with Representative Jeanne McNeill, I plan to introduce legislation to protect Pennsylvania consumers and shed light on the fraudulent practice of “pet leasing” in the Commonwealth. Although it has only begun to receive attention from the national media in recent months, “pet leasing” poses a serious concern since it preys on hopeful individuals and families wishing to adopt a pet but may lack the financial ability to do so. In these dishonest arrangements, a dealer or pet store may offer the individual an opportunity to enter into a long-term payment agreement to obtain a pet. However, the terms of the agreement are often not clearly stated and while the individual may believe that they have taken out a loan, in reality they have entered into a lease agreement, requiring them to unfairly pay far beyond the initial retail price of the pet. Unfortunately, these individuals often do not realize that they have been deceived until it is too late. Fearing the lender will attempt to repossess their pet if they default, these individuals continue to make costly, mounting payments and may ultimately pay upwards of several thousands of dollars. According to the Federal Trade Commission, “pet leasing” is currently not considered illegal, yet companies may be held responsible since they have an obligation to provide clarification to consumers, clearing stating that they are entering into a lease agreement. Both California and Nevada have enacted legislation prohibiting “pet leasing,” while legislation is currently awaiting consideration in the New York legislature. Please join me in supporting similar legislation in Pennsylvania and bringing attention to this deceitful scheme that is designed to defraud the hardworking citizens of the Commonwealth. |
Introduced as HB2723