New York to Ban Sales of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits in Pet Stores to Curb ‘Puppy Mill Pipeline’

Pet owners in New York will have to avoid neighborhood pet stores and go straight to rescues or breeders as of December 15. Attorney General Letitia James declared that the puppy mill to pet store pipeline would be stopped by prohibiting retail establishments from selling dogs, cats, and bunnies. The goal of the new rule is to shield animals from cruel breeding practices and spare households from having to deal with ill pets. Each infraction carries a $1,000 fine as well.

“Bringing a new pet into a family should be a time of excitement and joy,” Attorney General James said in an official statement from the Office of the Attorney General. “However, many animals from puppy mills suffer from serious medical issues, leaving families heartbroken over their sick pet and with a heavy bill to pay.” The deadly puppy mill to pet store pipeline that puts pets in peril and costs New Yorkers hundreds of dollars in veterinary treatment will be stopped in part by this restriction on pet sales. If New Yorkers would like to add a pet to their household, they can still adopt from a registered breeder, animal rescue, or human charity.

Retail pet stores are prohibited from selling, leasing, or transferring dogs, cats, and rabbits under the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, which is co-sponsored by Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. Pet shops can still collaborate with nearby rescues to display available pets for adoption, though. Serious fines and other sanctions may be imposed on violators.

James’ agency took action against pet industry misconduct earlier this year, obtaining $300,000 from Shake A Paw, a pet retailer on Long Island that was discovered to have sold sick animals. The Attorney General’s Office discovered that the animals had symptoms common to puppy mills. According to the press release, Assemblymember Rosenthal emphasized the significance of holding retailers accountable for violating the law, while Senator Gianaris referred to the prohibition as a significant advancement for our four-legged companions.

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