NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation into law Thursday that bans the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits at retail pet stores in New York state.
The governor said the aim of the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, passed in both the state Senate and Assembly with bipartisan support, was to “end the puppy mill to pet store pipeline and stop abusive breeders.”
“Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment,” Hochul said in a statement.
“I'm proud to sign this legislation, which will make meaningful steps to cut down on harsh treatment and protect the welfare of animals across the state,” she said.
The legislation, which will take effect in 2024, seeks to prevent the buying and selling of animals from large-scale, commercial breeders, according to the governor’s office.
Animal rights activists have said pets from the breeders are often abused and suffer health issues that cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care.
The law will continue to allow pet stores to host adoption services in conjunction with animal shelters or rescue organizations. It will also allow pet stores to charge shelters rent to use their space for adoptions.
Hochul had faced pressure from pet retailers to veto the bill.
In a statement Wednesday, People United to Protect Pet Integrity said the law will “make acquiring a pet even harder for working-class New Yorkers.”
“If signed, 1,500-plus people will lose their jobs, 80 small businesses will close and pets will become harder for New Yorkers to get, all while bad breeders will continue to profit,” the group said, according to the Albany Times Union.
New York is now the fifth state to pass such a ban, after California, Maryland, Maine and Illinois.
State Sen. Michael Gianaris, of Queens, sponsored the bill and praised fellow Democrat Hochul for “standing up for the voiceless loving animals.” Gianaris said in a statement that it’s a “great day for our four-legged friends and a big step forward in our fight against abusive and inhumane puppy mills.”
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