Lawmakers in New York have advanced a bill that will help shut down the state’s puppy mill pipeline. The bill, sponsored by Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris (D – 12th District) and Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal (D – 67th District), will shut down pet stores’ ability to sell dogs, cats, and rabbits.
A summary of the bill reads:
Prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by retail pet shops; authorizes collaboration with entities to provide space to showcase cats or dogs owned by certain entities for the purpose of adoption.
Rosenthal tells WKBW News:
“New York State has a real opportunity to shut down the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline once and for all and to provide homes to so many animals in need of fur-ever families. Despite all regulations, the vast majority of animals for sale in pet stores still come from puppy mills, which are places of unimaginable cruelty. Until we pass this law to stop the sales of dogs and cats in pet stores, more well-meaning animal lovers will be duped into buying sick animals that will cost them both financially and emotionally.”
Lawmakers in favor of the bill are hopeful that retail pet stores will partner up with animal shelters to help homeless pets find new homes.
