{
  "id": 1969328,
  "title": "California Tried to Stop Selling Genetically Engineered 'Unicorns'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/california-tried-to-stop-selling-genetically-engineered-unicorns",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T16:15:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/california-tried-to-stop-selling-genetically-engineered-unicorns-12342645"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A proposed California law aimed at restricting the sale of genetically engineered designer pets, including glowing rabbits and unicorns, was unable to advance in the state legislature despite broad bipartisan backing. Known as Assembly Bill 1382, or the \"Ethics Over Aesthetics Act,\" the bill was championed by Assemblymember Leticia Castillo, who contended that animals should not be altered merely for aesthetic purposes or commercial gain. The legislation sought to prevent businesses from making money by importing, selling, or advertising genetically modified pets where the genetic changes served no health or welfare benefits, while still permitting modifications that enhance animals' health, welfare, or compatibility with humans. The bill gained traction as concerns grew over advances in gene-editing technology and potential commercialization of genetically engineered pets. A Senate analysis cited examples of companies like the Los Angeles Project, which has proposed creating genetically modified companion animals such as glow-in-the-dark rabbits and unicorns. Despite strong support, the bill stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee, citing potential legal and enforcement costs. Animal welfare organizations argued that the measure was necessary to prevent the commercialization of novelty pets with unknown long-term health risks and to avoid the issue of shelter overcrowding if consumers abandoned these animals. However, animal advocacy groups contended that the bill could disrupt lawful commerce and reduce consumer choice, setting a concerning precedent for banning regulated products based on aesthetics rather than scientific evidence. Pending the outcome of future legislative sessions, the issue of regulating designer pets may continue to be a subject of debate.",
  "summary": "California's bid to ban glow-in-the-dark rabbits and other designer pets stalls as gene-editing technology advances.",
  "key_points": [
    "Assembly Bill 1382 aimed to restrict genetically engineered pets.",
    "Bill championed by Leticia Castillo for ethical animal treatment.",
    "Legislation stalled in Senate due to legal and enforcement concerns."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}