In what the state calls an effort to stop dangerous and cruel breeding operations of much-beloved cats and dogs, it is banning commercial pet shops from selling these animal companions. Pet rabbits are also part of the ban.
In December of 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the bill into law and now, two years later, it is going into effect. The delay in implementation of the law was to allow time for pet stores and adoption agencies to get cooperative adoption systems in place. The law permits pet stores to charge shelters rent to use their space for adoptions.
Hochul said when she signed the legislation, “Dogs, cats, and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment," Governor Hochul said. "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."
The ban will go into effect on December 15 and violators can be fined up to $1,000 per offense. Commercial pet shops can still partner up with not-for-profit adoption agencies to showcase pets and then the agencies would take the lead on the adoption process.
California was the first state to ban retail sale of companion animals. As of spring 2024, only eight states have prohibited the retail sale of animals sourced from puppy mills, with California, Maryland, Maine, Washington, Illinois, New York, Oregon, and Vermont.
"Bringing a new pet into a family should be a time of excitement and joy, but often animals from 'puppy mills' suffer from serious medical issues and leave families heartbroken over their sick pet and with a heavy bill to pay," James said. "This pet sale ban will help put an end to the dangerous puppy mill to pet store pipeline that endangers pets and costs New Yorkers thousands of dollars in veterinary care."
State Senator Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D,WF-Manhattan) who sponsored the legislation (S.1130/A.4283) say the law will prevent the buying and selling of animals from large-scale, abusive breeders that lack proper veterinary care, food or socialization. They said that “oftentimes, these animals have health issues resulting from poor breeding and can cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care. The legislation will continue to allow pet stores to host adoption services in conjunction with animal shelters or rescue organizations to help connect New Yorkers with animals in need of a home.”
Not everyone is in favor of this legislation. NY Senator Dean Murray (R,C-Brookhaven) and Assemblymember Jodi Giglio (R-C – Riverhead) have proposed legislation opposing this new law. They say that this law penalizes legitimate pet stores that do not buy animals from puppy mills and deal only with legitimate breeders. The lawmakers say this ban will not end puppy mills and terrible conditions, but rather will just push it to the internet. South Shore Press reporter, Bob Chartuk, has a companion ‘Man on the Street’ article discussing opposition to this new law.