Last month, animal welfare groups commended Gov. Kathy Hochul for signing groundbreaking legislation that will stop the flow of puppies to New York pet stores by ending the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores across the state. Championed by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), the legislation was approved by bipartisan majorities in both the Assembly and Senate earlier in 2022.
According to a news release from ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), The Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill was supported by the Humane Society of the United States, New York State Animal Protection Federation, Voters For Animal Rights, Companion Animal Protection Society, Animal Legal Defense Fund and the NYC Bar Association's Animal Law Committee. In addition, millions of New York animal lovers supported ending the sale of puppies in pet stores.
Matt Bershadker, president and chief executive officer of ASPCA, said that the new law, a longstanding goal for animal welfare groups across the state, is a historic win for New York's animals, consumers and communities.
“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 in the news release.
Rosenthal said the measure served as an amazing end-of-the year gift.
“Too many families have been left heartbroken after bringing home an animal they bought at the pet store only to realize it is sick and will require thousands of dollars in veterinary care that cannot cure congenital conditions,” she said. “Some of the worst puppy mills around the country have long supplied New York's pet stores with animals that were raised in inhumane conditions, churning out litter after litter to drive a profit. With the signing of this legislation, New York State will finally close the puppy mill pipeline and encourage shelters and rescues to work with local pet stores to place animals into loving homes.”
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