New law banning retail sales of selling pets takes effect Dec. 15

November 22, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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STATEWIDE — THE SALE OF CATS, DOGS AND RABBITS in retail pet stores will be illegal starting Dec. 15, two years to the day that Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act. This law, that State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal co-sponsored, is intended to stop dangerous large-scale breeding operations known as “puppy mills,” where animals are often mistreated and suffer from serious health issues. The legislation prohibits retail pet shops from selling, leasing or transferring ownership of dogs, cats or rabbits, and imposes penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. New Yorkers can still legally adopt pets from duly incorporated humane societies, animal rescues or licensed breeders. The law does allow for pet stores to continue partnering with registered nonprofit animal rescue organizations to showcase animals available for adoption, and for pet stores to collect reasonable rental fees from rescue groups for space to showcase pets for adoption.

Cities and states nationwide have enacted bans on retail pet stores to fight back against puppy mills — large-scale commercial breeding facilities that maximize profits at the expense of the animals’ well-being — according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s website.

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