NY Passes 'Puppy Mill Pipeline' Law To Ban Retail Sales Of Dogs, Cats

LONG ISLAND, NY — Animal advocates rejoiced Thursday as Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation to end the "puppy mill pipeline" in New York.

The measure prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by retail pet shops while allowing pet stores to partner with rescue organizations to showcase adoptable animals. As Patch previously reported, advocates and shelters, including Humane Long Island, had urged the governor to immediately sign Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Michael Gianaris' bill.

Hochul signed the legislation Thursday, which aims to end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline and prevent abusive breeding, she said. Based upon an agreement with the legislature, the law will take effect in 2024, and will also allow pet stores to charge shelters rent to use their space for adoptions.

"Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment," Hochul said. "I'm proud to sign this legislation, which will take meaningful steps to cut down on harsh treatment and protect the welfare of animals across the state."

The legislation aims to prevent the buying and selling of animals from large-scale, abusive breeders that lack proper veterinary care, food or socialization, Hochul said. Often, the animals have health issues resulting from poor breeding and can cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care.

Pet stores will be allowed to host adoption services in conjunction with animal shelters or rescue organizations to help connect people with animals in need of a home, Hochul 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," Gianaris said. "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."

Rosenthal said added: "New York State will no longer allow brutally inhumane puppy mills around the country to supply our pet stores and earn a profit off animal cruelty and unsuspecting consumers."

In the days before the signing, animal advocates rallied to urge Hochul to sign the proposed "Puppy Mill Pipeline" bill on her desk "just in time for Christmas," they said.

John Di Leonardo, anthrozoologist and president of Humane Long Island, applauded the news.

"Thousands of pet stores across the country have already evolved to no longer sell animals from commercial breeding facilities and instead showcase homeless pets for adoptions and focus sales on a range of pet-related products and supplies," he said. "Two years from now, New York pet stores will have no choice but to stop ripping off consumers and selling mistreated animals. This bill will go a long way in protecting animals and the public as well as providing much needed relief to overcrowded shelters and rescues."

Barbara Dennihy, the New York State director of the Companion Animal Protection Society, added: "Shutting down the puppy mill to pet store pipeline will save countless animals from suffering. Over the last 10 years, CAPS has investigated every pet shop in New York – originally 100 and now 60 – and many of the puppy and kitten mills selling to them. . . The enactment of a statewide retail ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at pet shops will have a profound impact on this cruel industry and will inspire more states to follow suit."

Her organizations created a documentary on what she said were reports of cases of consumer fraud, and "inhumane, abhorrent conditions at the mills. . . . The enactment of a statewide retail ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at pet shops will have a profound impact on this cruel industry and will inspire more states to follow suit."

In September, Long Island animal advocates and elected officials also teamed up to implore Hochul to sign the"Puppy Mill Pipeline" legislation.

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons was joined at an event by representatives of the Kent Animal Shelter and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation to urge Hochul to sign the bill.

This spring, in a show of bi-partisan support, both the New York Assembly and Senate signed the legislation — S1130 and A4283.

Some pet store owners have voiced 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.