New York Pet Stores Banned From Selling Puppies, Rabbits & Cats

New York is the latest state to outlaw the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet stores.

On Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the new legislation, following in the footsteps of states such as Illinois and California, which are cracking down on large-scale breeding. These operations often use harmful practices to breed animals quickly and often sell them to pet stores. Many of the pets are purchased by owners, unaware of the extensive health issues they have due to the rapid breeding. In some cases, dogs are bred together that have poor genetic traits, which pass down to their offspring. This can result in sick puppies, leading unsuspecting buyers to incur thousands in veterinarian bills.

In a statement about the new law, Hochul said she was proud to sign the legislation and would continue to fight for animals across the state.

“Dogs, cats, and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment,” she shared.

Under the new ruling, pet stores will now be able to charge animal shelters rent for housing dogs, cats, and bunnies that are awaiting adoption. Additionally, the restriction will not apply to independent breeders who raise, breed and sell animals that were born on their own premises.

However, not everyone was pleased with the new regulations. New York pet store advocacy group, People United to Protect Pet Integrity (PUPPI), believes that the legislation will only force small pet stores out of business while failing to actually stop puppy mills.

President of PUPPI, Jessica Selmer, hopes Hochul will reconsider the “pitfalls of the bill” before it goes into effect in 2024.

California set the tone for pet protections, becoming the first state to pass similar legislation in 2017. Maryland would follow in 2020 and Illinois in 2021.