New York is the sixth state to implement such a ban following in the footsteps of California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, and Washington.

New York has announced a ban on the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits under a new law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul.

The move is designed to stop the supply of animals from so-called puppy mills.

According to reports, puppy mills are dangerous for animals because of inhumane breeding techniques where animals aren’t given proper veterinary care, food and socializing.

One 2019 undercover investigation  at a Petland store in Virginia showed the terrible plight of rabbits housed at the store.  

The Humane Society investigator, who worked there for two months, found that the store implemented no veterinary care for the rabbits. One employee reportedly said “we just let them die” when they get sick. 

Moreover, the rabbits were supplied by an unlicensed rabbit mill, which kept around 200 animals in filthy and cramped conditions.

‘Pets deserve loving homes and humane treatment’

Holchul in a statement said that banning pet stores from selling pets will help to clamp down widespread brutal breeding practices of puppy, kitten and rabbit factories that provide animals to pet merchants.

The new legislation will also encourage pet stores to work with animal shelters for more adoptions and the use of their spaces.

The ban will not affect breeders who breed, raise and sell animals born on their own property.

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

New York has become the sixth state to pass a ban on pet sales in stores follows in the footsteps of fellow US states including California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, and Washington that have instituted similar bans in the past. 

The legislation will come into effect in 2024.

‘Historic win’

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Chief Executive Officer Matt Bershadker said it was a “historic win” for both animals and consumers.

“By ending the sale of cruelly bred puppy mill dogs in state pet shops, New York is shutting down the pipeline that enables retail sellers and commercial breeders to profit from unconscionable brutality,” he said.

‘Unethical breeders will flourish’

New York has only about 80 pet stores left and these shop owners, including the People United to Protect Pet Integrity (PUPPI) voiced concerns about how the ban will destroy legitimate operators in the industry.

In a Facebook post, Selmer’s Pet Land in Suffolk County on New York’s Long Island rambled that the legislation would allow unethical breeders to grow in the black market and make it more difficult to obtain a pet.

“By ending licensed and regulated local pet stores, you will remove the people who vet breeders, insure the health of newly homed pets with established veterinarians, and guarantee the success of a new pet family,” Jessica Selmer, president of People United to Protect Pet Integrity said.

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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