Advocates Urge Passage Of Puppy Mill Pipeline Law: 'Help Us Help Them'

EAST HAMPTON, NY — East End animal shelter representatives and elected officials teamed up Friday to urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign newly passed "Puppy Mill Pipeline" legislation, that would ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at retail pet stores.

Animal Rescue Funds of the Hamptons, Kent Animal Shelter, and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, along with New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo and others, gathered at ARF in East Hampton to implore Hochul to sign the legislation — S.1130/A.4283 – now on the governor's desk for signing.

This spring, the New York State Legislature passed the New York State Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, which bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at retail pet stores, those gathered said.

The majority of animals for sale in retail pet shops come from animal mills, "known for their inhumane action," organizers said. "Often, sold animals can be sick as a result of poor breeding and cost purchasers thousands in veterinary care. The Puppy Mill Pipeline legislation would allow retail pet stores to partner with area shelters and rescues to adopt animals. New Yorkers could also go directly to breeders."

ARF Hamptons, Kent, and SASF spoke out in support of the bill. “Every puppy mill survivor adopted from ARF over the years is a living protest against the cruelty and fraud of the retail pet trade whose practices are deliberately kept from the public,” says ARF’s Executive Director and CEO Scott Howe. “ARF’s volunteers, adopters, and staff know firsthand the extent of abuse these animals bear and the damage caused by the inhumane practices that support the retail trade in pets.”

"The residents of New York State have spoken through their elected legislators in both houses. It is the will of the people that Governor Hochul sign this bill into law," said Pam Green, executive director of Kent Animal Shelter.

Pat Deshong, executive director of SASF added: "Puppy mills treat animals like cash crops, they are confined to squalid, overcrowded cages with minimal shelter from extreme weather and no choice but to sit and sleep in their own excrement. Animals suffer from malnutrition or starvation due to inadequate or unsanitary food and water. Why on earth would anyone want to promote this inhumane treatment of animals? We are urging everyone to please adopt, not buy dogs or animals from these deplorable conditions. We are in the business of rescuing and rehabilitating animals and giving them the life they deserve. Please help us, help them. Reach out to Governor Hochul and urge her to put an end to animals subjected to these conditions today."

Palumbo, along with Thalia Olaya, legislative aide for New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr., and East Hampton Town Deputy Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, attended the gathering.

The legislation was sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal of Manhattan and State Senator Michael Gianaris of Astoria.

Hochul has until the end of the year to sign the bill into law. New York residents "are encouraged" to contact Hochul to urge her to sign the legislation, animal advocates added.

The legislation also opens the door to authorize collaboration with shelters to provide a place to showcase cats or dogs that are available for adoption.

Some pet store owners have voice opposition to the measure.

Jessica Selmer of Selmer's Pet Land in Huntington Station said she is pro-rescue and the dogs she sells come from reputable breeders. However, the law, if signed by Hochul, could put her store out of business, according to Fox 5 New York..

With reporting by Michael Woyton.