The new law, which goes into effect in 2024, will allow pet stores to rent out their space to shelters for adoption events. Under the law, customers may still buy animals directly from breeders, which proponents say will make them more aware of where their pets are coming from, writes Maysoon Khan for the Associated Press (AP).
The organization estimates 10,000 puppy mills are currently operating in the U.S., with fewer than 3,000 regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Puppy mills that sell directly to the public are not required to adhere to the Animal Welfare Act, which sets minimum standards of care for animals sold, per the Humane Society. Those that sell to pet stores must legally be licensed and inspected by the USDA. But violations of the Animal Welfare Act are seldom enforced, Bill Ketzer, senior director of state legislation for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Eastern division, tells the Ithaca Journal’s Kate Collins.
The state of New York passed a law Thursday prohibiting the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores. The move is an attempt to halt the puppy-mill-to-pet-store pipeline and stop abusive breeders.
Animal rights activists have praised the new law, saying it will help diminish animal cruelty and encourage people to adopt some of the 6.3 million shelter animals in need of a home annually. ASPCA estimates approximately 920,000 shelter dogs and cats are euthanized every year.
“By ending licensed and regulated local pet stores, you will remove the people who vet breeders, ensure the health of newly homed pets with established veterinarians and guarantee the success of a new pet family,” Jessica Selmer, the president of People United to Protect Pet Integrity (PUPPI), a coalition of pet store owners, says in a statement, per the New York Times’ Luis Ferré-Sadurní.
“Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment,” Governor Hochul said. “Im proud to sign this legislation, which will make meaningful steps to cut down on harsh treatment and protect the welfare of animals across the state.”
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, “I extend an enormous thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this legislation to shut down the puppy mill pipeline. New York State will no longer allow brutally inhumane puppy mills around the country to supply our pet stores and earn a profit off animal cruelty and unsuspecting consumers. By ending the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores, shelters and rescues will be able to partner with these stores to showcase adoptable animals and place them into forever homes. Countless families will be spared the heartache of spending thousands on a beloved new pet that is genetically damaged and chronically ill. New Yorks role as a leader in preventing cruelty to animals will inspire other states to follow suit, and that is something the Governor and all of us can be proud to have accomplished.”
State Senator Michael Gianaris said, “Today is a great day for our four-legged friends and a big step forward in our fight against abusive and inhumane puppy mills. My thanks to Governor Hochul for standing up for the voiceless loving animals who are members of our families and deserve the respect weve shown them today.”
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.1130/A.4283) to ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at retail pet stores, aiming to end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline and stop abusive breeders. Based upon an agreement with the Legislature, this legislation will take effect in 2024 and will also allow pet stores to charge shelters rent to use their space for adoptions.
Legislation (S.1130/A.4283) aims to prevent the buying and selling of animals from large-scale, abusive breeders that lack proper veterinary care, food or socialization. Often times, these animals have health issues resulting from poor breeding and can cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care. The legislation will continue to allow pet stores to host adoption services in conjunction with animal shelters or rescue organizations to help connect New Yorkers with animals in need of a home.
Rosenthal said, “New York state will no longer allow brutally inhumane puppy mills around the country to supply our pet stores and earn a profit off animal cruelty and unsuspecting consumers.”
Pet stores will be barred from selling dogs, cats and other animals supplied by breeders under a new law signed Thursday by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Pet store operators warned Hochul before she acted that the prohibition on accepting dogs and cats from breeders would force them to close.
The law, sponsored by state Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), is aimed at cracking down on so-called notorious “puppy mill” breeders who mistreat animals that are sold to stores for resale.
“I’m proud to sign this legislation, which will make meaningful steps to cut down on harsh treatment and protect the welfare of animals across the state.”
They Saying Dog Breeding Should Be Illegal After Seeing This Line Up
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation (S.1130/A.4283) to ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at retail pet stores, aiming to end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline and stop abusive breeders. Based upon an agreement with the Legislature, this legislation will take effect in 2024 and will also allow pet stores to charge shelters rent to use their space for adoptions.
“Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment,” Governor Hochul said. “Im proud to sign this legislation, which will make meaningful steps to cut down on harsh treatment and protect the welfare of animals across the state.”
Legislation (S.1130/A.4283) aims to prevent the buying and selling of animals from large-scale, abusive breeders that lack proper veterinary care, food or socialization. Often times, these animals have health issues resulting from poor breeding and can cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care. The legislation will continue to allow pet stores to host adoption services in conjunction with animal shelters or rescue organizations to help connect New Yorkers with animals in need of a home.
State Senator Michael Gianaris said, “Today is a great day for our four-legged friends and a big step forward in our fight against abusive and inhumane puppy mills. My thanks to Governor Hochul for standing up for the voiceless loving animals who are members of our families and deserve the respect weve shown them today.”
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal said, “I extend an enormous thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this legislation to shut down the puppy mill pipeline. New York State will no longer allow brutally inhumane puppy mills around the country to supply our pet stores and earn a profit off animal cruelty and unsuspecting consumers. By ending the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores, shelters and rescues will be able to partner with these stores to showcase adoptable animals and place them into forever homes. Countless families will be spared the heartache of spending thousands on a beloved new pet that is genetically damaged and chronically ill. New Yorks role as a leader in preventing cruelty to animals will inspire other states to follow suit, and that is something the Governor and all of us can be proud to have accomplished.”