NY Weighing Ban On Sale Of Pets From Stores [POLL]

NEW YORK — A bill prohibiting the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits by retail pet stores was introduced in Albany. The bill, sponsored in the Senate by Michael Gianaris, D-Queens, said it would encourage people to adopt dogs, cats and rabbits and "ensure that animals no longer have to face the cruelty, physical and psychological abuse — to which the puppy mill supply chain subjects animals."

Senate bill S4234A is currently listed as being on the floor calendar, having moved out of committee. The Assembly version — A6298A — is in committee.

When he first introduced the bill in February 2018, Gianaris said retail pet stores would be permitted to work with rescue organizations to promote dog and cat adoptions.

He also noted that California enacted a similar proposal.

"With thousands of good animals in need of homes, there is no need for notorious puppy mills to supply pet stores," Gianaris said. "Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities."

Libby Post, the executive director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, told the Daily News that animal shelters around the state are ready to help pet stores bring adoption events in order to find homeless animals loving families.

"Shutting down the Puppy Mill Pipeline in New York is not just the right action to take but the humane action needed to protect animals and New York's citizens," she said.

Jessica Selmer, the owner of Selmer's Pet Land in Huntington Station on Long Island, said her store would likely have to close should the bill come to fruition.

She told Patch that it would eliminate choice and force people to rescue animals.

"It's really a pet store ban," Selmer said. "It's not a puppy mill ban."

Now it's your turn to weigh in on the issue. Vote in our unscientific poll and tell us what you think in the comments.