A Goldendoodle bought at a puppy mill in Brooklyn (Photo: Queens Post)
Dec. 15, 2022 By Czarinna Andres
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law a bill that bans pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits.
The law aims to end the puppy mill pipeline—and has long been championed by State Sen. Mike Gianaris, who represents western Queens.
“Today is a great day for our four-legged friends and a big step forward in our fight against abusive and inhumane puppy mills,” Gianaris said, who sponsored the bill in the state senate. “My thanks to Governor Hochul for standing up for the voiceless loving animals who are members of our families and deserve the respect we’ve shown them today.”
The legislation was passed by the state senate will relative ease—as it did so in 2021. This year, however, the bill passed in the assembly after failing to do last year. The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan).
Gianaris said that most of the animals available for sale in pet stores come from notorious dog, cat and bunny mills. He said the offspring of mill animals often have congenital issues and can cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care.
He said pet-seekers should instead turn to shelters and rescue organizations to adopt animals in need of a home. Pet store owners, he said, will still be able to work with shelters to organize adoption events at their stores.
The law would affect roughly 80 pet stores that are registered to sell domestic animals in the state.
Hochul, in signing the bill, tweeted: “New York is taking action to end the puppy mill pipeline. Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment.”
