|
Click on the link above to watch the full 11-minute Committee hearing.
Coalition Condemns Gene-Edited Pets as Irresponsible and Unethical
Sacramento, Calif., January 13, 2026 – Today, AB 1382, the Ethics Over Aesthetics Act, authored by Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo (R-Corona) and sponsored by political animal advocacy group, Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), passed the Assembly Business and Professions Committee with a unanimous vote. The bill will prohibit the sale of animals that have been genetically modified for cosmetic purposes.
A 2025 Wired Magazine article detailed a biohacking-led project leveraging CRISPR gene-editing technology to create genetically altered pets, including bioluminescent rabbits (glowing green or blue). While the potential of CRISPR in medicine and conservation is immense, its application in creating designer pets raises significant concerns regarding animal welfare, ecological impact, and the commodification of living beings.
“Gene editing should be reserved for advancing medical research and addressing critical ecological challenges, not for turning animals into living accessories,” said Judie Mancuso, founder and president of Social Compassion in Legislation. “This reckless commercialization trivializes the ethical implications of genetic modification and exposes animals to unknown health risks.”
“The last thing we need is for a novel pet, such as a glow-in-the-dark rabbit, to become the latest fad on TikTok, leading to these animals being bred at a pace that puts profit above their well-being. And later dumped on the side of the road after the photos have been taken and posted on social media. Thousands of impulse buys later, and after the novelty wears off, the public will be left to foot the bill and the animals left to suffer. Our shelters are already overflowing with overbred dogs, cats and rabbits. This whole idea is obscene in so many ways."
Jennifer Lee, Executive Director of the San Diego House Rabbit Society, was aghast when she read the article, “As someone who runs a shelter that is devoted to the care of domestic rabbits, I’m deeply concerned about the rise of genetically modified animals for novelty. Not only could such modifications harm their health and well-being, but this trend also distracts from the pressing issue of overpopulation in shelters. Instead of creating new 'designer' pets, we should be focused on saving the lives of the countless rabbits already in need of care and homes."
“California’s animal shelters are chock full of beautiful, adoptable pets ready for loving homes,” said Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals. “We are immensely concerned about efforts involving the genetic engineering of pets to support commercial interests and/or fashion trends. If you want a great pet, please visit your local shelter. If you think you need a pet that ‘glows’, please consider an alternate fashion accessory rather than exploiting a sentient being.”
The bill will be heard next in the Assembly Judiciary Committee on January 15th.
| 
