New York state pet stores will soon be banned from selling dogs, cats and rabbits by law ban means to prevent the sale of animals from livestock facilities where animal rights groups believe the animals are subjected to inhumane conditions.
The law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday means New York will join several other states, including California and Illinois, that have enacted similar bans designed to crack down on commercial ranchers. commercial, sometimes called a puppy or kitten factory.
By banning the sale of animals at New York’s shrinking collection of about 80 pet stores, officials are hoping to stop the pipeline of animals from commercial breeders that opponents allow. that they raise animals that are often abused or sick, and then sell them to consumers, causing distress. them with unforeseen veterinary bills.
Congresswoman Linda Rosenthal, a Democrat who sponsored the bill in the House of Representatives, said: “The end of the puppy production pipeline to New York State signifies the victory of compassion. to the evils inherent in a ruthless industry that pursues profit by brutally treating innocent animals.” .
Law caused a passionate clash in Albany between animal rights advocates and the pet store industry, which vehemently opposed the bill, arguing it would effectively shut them out. The industry thinks the ban will also lead to a string of unintended consequences that will make it harder for New Yorkers to get pets and potentially lead to an underground pet market.
A coalition of pet store owners – People United to Protect Pet Integrity, or PUPPI – says the total ban would unfairly harm pet stores responsible for selling pet puppies. carefully maintained and will close very few commercial livestock facilities, most of which have been phased out-of-state. The industry argues that most commercial breeders keep pets humanely, but animal rights groups are pointing out the bad guys, some of whom have been targeted by pet owners. lawsuits and investigations, to smear the entire livestock sector.
Jessica Selmer, president of PUPPI, said: “By terminating licensed and regulated local pet stores, you will eliminate the vet breeders, ensuring the health of new pets coming home. with established veterinarians and ensure the success of a new pet family.” in a statement on Thursday after failing to convince Ms. Hochul to veto the bill.
Democrats who control the State Legislature in Albany passed the bill in June with rare bipartisan support, but it remains unclear whether Hochul, a Democrat, will sign. the bill or not.
After days of closed-door negotiations this month, the governor finally agreed to back the bill, albeit with some changes intended to mitigate the economic blow to pet stores, which are famous for their dogs. attractively displayed animals sell for thousands of dollars.
For example, enforcement of the ban has been delayed until December 2024. The revised law would also allow pet stores that charge animal shelters to use pet stores as venues for events. rescue animal adoption events.
People are still allowed to buy animals directly from breeders, an effort to allow potential pet owners to visit and buy from responsible breeders. But part of the purpose of the law is to encourage people to adopt pets from shelters and rescues, which say they are overrun with dogs, especially many already dead. Abandoned by pet seekers during the pandemic.
“These animals are live, lovable creatures and should be treated with respect, not like a can of soup taken off the shelf,” said State Senator Michael Gianaris, a Democrat from Queens. , who has supported the law said. “This law will save countless animals from abuse at the hands of horrible puppy mills and I’m glad it’s now enacted.”
