(a) The purchase of any dog or cat by a dealer or by a research facility shall be evidenced by a bill of sale signed by the seller. The bill of sale shall be in form approved by the commissioner and shall certify that the seller is the lawful owner of the dog or cat and that ownership is transferred to the dealer or research facility. The bill of sale shall make reference to the mark or identification required by § 44-17-110.
(b) The bill of sale shall bear the name, telephone number, and address of the seller, and the driver license or social security number of the seller. At the time of sale, the dealer or research facility making the purchase shall verify from the seller the seller's driver license or social security number, whichever is appropriate. The bill of sale shall also contain a description of the dog or cat sold under that bill adequate to identify the animal. A bill of sale containing the same information shall be furnished by a dealer to any person purchasing a dog or cat at a flea market. Nothing in this subsection (b) shall be construed as enlarging the enforcement responsibilities of the commissioner beyond that existing prior to March 17, 1978.