Starting December 15, pet lovers in New York will need to skip local pet shops and go directly to rescues or breeders. Attorney General Letitia James announced that retail stores will no longer be allowed to sell dogs, cats, and rabbits, ending the puppy mill to pet store pipeline. The new law aims to protect animals from inhumane breeding conditions and prevent families from dealing with sick pets. It also imposes a $1,000 fine for each violation.
As per an official statement from the Office of the Attorney General, Attorney General James said, "Bringing a new pet into a family should be a time of excitement and joy, but often animals from ‘puppy mills’ suffer from serious medical issues and leave families heartbroken over their sick pet and with a heavy bill to pay. This pet sale ban will help put an end to the dangerous puppy mill to pet store pipeline that endangers pets and costs New Yorkers thousands of dollars in veterinary care. New Yorkers interested in adding a furry friend to their family can still adopt a pet at a human society, animal rescue, or a licensed breeder."
The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, co-sponsored by Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, bans retail pet shops from selling, leasing, or transferring dogs, cats, and rabbits. However, pet stores can still partner with local rescues to showcase pets for adoption. Violators could face significant fines and other penalties.
Earlier this year, James' office took action against malpractice in the pet industry, securing $300,000 from Shake A Paw, a Long Island pet store found guilty of selling sick animals. The Office of the Attorney General found the animals suffered conditions typical of puppy mills. Senator Gianaris called the ban a great step forward for our four-legged friends, while Assemblymember Rosenthal stressed the importance of holding stores accountable for breaking the law, as noted in the press release.
