NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- As lawmakers worked into the early hours of Friday morning to make the most of the last day of the legislative session, the New York State Assembly passed a bill that would ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits at pet shops.
The bill's authors intend the law to curb abusive practices by breeders dubbed "puppy mills."
If signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the bill would end the sale of all cats, dogs and rabbits in retail stores.
The bill also stipulates that pet stores are still allowed to showcase animals up for adoption.
"With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for puppy mills that abuse animals to supply pet stores," said State Sen. Michael Gianaris, one of the bill's sponsors, in a statement. "Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities."
The bill, which is also sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, was first introduced in February 2018. It passed the State Senate last month.
