New York State’s new law banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores will take effect on December 15. The New York City Council also passed a ban on sales on November 21, in line with the state law, sending it to the mayor for approval to come into effect simultaneously. Despite this, the public can still adopt furry companions from animal rescue organizations or licensed breeders.
In order to protect animals from abuse, New York State passed the “Puppy Mill Pipeline Act” in 2022, which was signed by the governor on December 15 of the same year, set to be enforced starting the following month. This law prohibits retail pet stores from selling, renting, or transferring dogs, cats, or rabbits, with a maximum fine of $1,000 for each violation. However, pet stores can still partner with registered non-profit animal rescue organizations to showcase animals available for adoption and charge a reasonable fee for this service.
The New York City Council also passed a complementary law on November 21, prohibiting retail stores, residential buildings, grocery stores, and other unlicensed facilities from selling dogs and cats, with a daily fine of $500 for violators. The city had already banned retail stores from selling guinea pigs and rabbits. As the bill received 40 votes in favor and only 5 against in the City Council, it is expected that the mayor will not veto it, thus coming into effect on the same day as the state law, on December 15.
On November 22, New York State Attorney General, Jane Doe, reminded business owners and the public to take note of the new regulations. She pointed out that animals from puppy mills are often mistreated and suffer from serious illnesses. Uninformed individuals who purchase pets from pet stores often end up spending thousands of dollars on veterinary bills. Therefore, she urged the public to adopt pets legally instead of buying them.