Governor Kathy Hochul just signed a measure into law yesterday, Thursday, December 15, that will ban retail pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits in New York
The bill, also known as the “Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill,” was passed by the New York State Assembly back in June of this year, and after its passing animal rights activists quickly began urging Governor Hochul to officially sign it in to law by the end of the year.
“Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment,” said Governor Hochul. “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.”
According to the ASPCA, there are currently thousands of puppies being sold in pet stores all across the state.
The pups sold in stores usually come from “puppy mills” where they are often mistreated, kept in tiny spaces, and not provided proper veterinarian care or food. Not only is it an inhumane way to treat animals, but it also ends up hurting the families that purchase the dogs because they often have health and behavioral issues down the road.
Unfortunately, New York has one of the country’s highest concentrations of pet stores that sell puppies.
This legislation aims to prevent the buying and selling of animals from large-scale, abusive breeders and aims to end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline.
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 we’ve shown them today.”
The “Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill” will go into effect in 2024. Under the new law pet stores will be allowed to charge shelters rent to use their space for adoptions.