Puppy Mills Could Be Shut Down By Law Targeting NY Pet Stores

NEW YORK – The sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores could soon be banned across the state under a new law proposed by two New York City politicians.

The legislation has been introduced by State Senator Michael Gianaris, who represents Queens, and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal of Manhattan.

"My new legislation to ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores statewide will finally end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline," said Rosenthal.

"Animals such as puppies, kittens and bunnies in mills live short, tortured existences; their offspring, usually the animals offered for sale at pet stores, are often riddled with congenital issues as a result of the poor conditions and breeding practices employed.

"Unsuspecting customers pay hundreds of dollars for a cute puppy or kitten, only to find that the animal is incurably sick. By ensuring that pet stores can offer only rescues for adoption, this legislation will protect consumers, help to shut down the mills and end the puppy to-pet store pipeline."

"Time after time, the pet industry has demonstrated that it is not interested in ensuring the welfare of the dogs it churns out, nor is it interested in transparency or public accountability," said Bill Ketzer, senior director of state legislation for the ASPCA's Northeast region.

"These badly-regulated commercial dog breeders have only one goal: breed the highest volume of puppies possible at the lowest cost for the retailer. In turn, pet stores do everything in their power to sell these dogs, conveniently excluding well-documented health and behavior risks in their pitch to buyers who believe they are going home with a healthy, well-bred puppy."

The law would mean pet stores could only sell animals from reputable shelters or rescue agencies, with the price roughly the same as adoption fees.