ALBANY (WBEN) — New York State senators on Wednesday voted to advance a package of bills that would make it illegal to purchase a cat, dog or rabbit from a pet store.
Critics have long sounded alarms that pet stores help keep puppy mills in business and allow breeders with reputations for abuse and neglect to continue working.
They note that meanwhile, hundreds of pets sit in shelters, waiting for a loving home.
"With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for puppy mills that abuse animals to supply pet stores. Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities," said state Sen. Michael Gianaris, who sponsored the bill. "I thank my colleagues for joining me in passing this important legislation and look forward to working with Assembly Member Rosenthal to get this bill over the finish line."
According to a press release from Gianaris, pet breeders and stores are loosely regulated under the Animal Welfare Act by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, recent investigations revealed that under the Trump administration, USDA inspectors had been less aggressive in enforcing regulations.
The package of bills being pushed through Albany will "establish a ban on the sale of puppy mill animals, better define the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals, enact a property inspection requirement to check for abandoned animals and ensure the best interest of pets is considered during divorce or separation."
The vote to advance the legislation took place in recognition of National Pet Week.
"As Senate Majority Leader, I have emphasized the importance of animal welfare and how it reflects who we are as a society. This comprehensive package is a necessary step in combating the mistreatment, neglect, and abuse of domestic animals," Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. "These bills also promote the proper care and consideration that animals deserve. I commend the bill sponsors, and we will continue to pass common-sense legislation to keep our animal friends out of harm's way."
New York would join California, Washington and Maryland in banning dogs, cats and bunnies from pet stores.
