Bill To End Puppy Mill Pipeline & Ban The Retail Sale Of Dogs, Cats, And Rabbits In New York Passes State Senate; Advances To Assembly

The New York State Senate approved Bill S.1130, to shut down the puppy mill pipeline and end the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores across the state. The Bill, sponsored by Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, must now be approved by the Assembly, before moving to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for puppy mills that abuse animals to supply pet stores,” Gianaris said in a statement. “Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities.”

Most of the animals available for sale in pet stores come from notorious dog, cat, and bunny mills, which are known to be inhumane. Offspring of mill animals often have congenital issues resulting from poor breeding and can cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care.

“We can seize this moment to save countless animals from suffering by cutting off the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline once and for all,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Chair of the Social Services Committee, and the sponsor of a companion bill that is currently advancing in the Assembly. “Preventing the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores won’t just protect animals, it will also save customers the great heartache and expense that comes with falling in love with an animal that is destined by its breeding to become irreparably sick.”

Pet breeders and stores are loosely regulated under the Animal Welfare Act by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Recent investigations revealed, however, that under the Trump administration, USDA inspectors were less aggressive in enforcing these regulations. In addition, the USDA is issuing fewer serious violations that would ordinarily trigger swift follow-up by the agency.

According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the state agency is tasked with regulating approximately 80 pet stores registered throughout the state.

“Once again, the State Senate has done the right thing. They have taken action by passing the Stop The Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill. There is no one else to speak up for companion animals except the humans who care about them,” stated Libby Post, Executive Director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation. “Puppy mills are horrible—female dogs are bread until they can no longer reproduce. Then they are killed. Puppies are ordered off a menu of options, shipped across country without care, and then sold to unsuspecting consumers who many times take home dogs that are sick and don’t survive. This is not humane. We will continue to speak out until the Assembly passes and the Governor signs the Bill.”

If the Bill is approved in the House, New York will join other states and hundreds of localities in taking a strong stand against puppy mill cruelty.

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg