Proposed bill would ban animal sales in New York pet stores
New York Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and State Senator Michael Gianaris have introduced legislation to prohibit the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores across New York State. The legislation would instead allow pet stores to make space available to shelters and rescues to display (feature) animals that are available for adoption.
“We must end the pet mill-to pet store pipeline,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “There is absolutely no reason that anyone should spend thousands of dollars on an often-unhealthy pet that was bred in abject horror when shelters and rescues statewide are bursting at the seams with healthy and innocent animals in need of ‘fur-ever’ homes. Ending the demand for pet store animals will help to end the pet mill industry that supplies the stores.”
“With so many good animals in need of homes, there is no need for puppy mills to supply pet stores,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities.”
The ASPCA, Humane Society of the United States and New York State Animal Protection Federation have spoken out in favor of the bill.
If the proposed bill were to be approved, New York would become the third state to pass such legislation. California and Maryland passed similar measures in 2018.
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