New York bans sale of dogs, cats and rabbits

Soon in New York, customers will not be able to choose a puppy to buy in a pet store window, reports Fox 5.

On December 15, Governor Kathy Hokul signed into law a law banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet stores. So she decided to end the pipeline of puppies entering pet stores and stop unscrupulous breeders.

“Dogs, cats and rabbits throughout New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment,” Hokul said in a statement. “I am proud to have signed this law. This is a significant step in reducing abuse and protecting animal welfare across the state.”

Animal welfare and rescue groups have long supported this law. But pet stores object. Some owners say the law will put them out of business.

“I don’t know if I will find the words if we really have to close the doors,” Lisa Caiazzo said. Co-owner of puppy boutique Petite Pets has been selling puppies in Huntington Station for 30 years.

She thinks her store is different from most others. The co-owner works with one breeder who received a double rating. They do not keep dogs in cages - pets sleep in cribs. And she only sells puppies to suitable families.

“We are like a diamond. We are a completely different place compared to everyone else,” Caiazzo noted. - I invite anyone here. The Assembly can come in, Hokul can come in, it doesn't matter. If she signs the bill, which is about all of us, what will you do?”

Pro-ban activists called the law a necessary step

HumaneLongIsland President John DiLeonardo is urging people looking for pets to adopt instead of shopping.

“Thousands of pet stores have already evolved to work strictly with rescuers. And this legislation will force New York to do the same,” he assured. "If you're a pet store in New York State and you're telling consumers you don't buy puppy mills, you're lying."

On the subject: Dear pet: how much does a dog cost in New York

The law will come into force in 2024. It will allow pet stores to charge rent to animal rescue groups for the use of their premises to adopt pets.

But Caiazzo said rent from shelters to use her space won't be enough to keep the business afloat, with dog sales accounting for about 90% of the store's revenue. It warms the hope that the legislation can be changed.

“I think it's completely unfair. Especially for a pet store like us, which has never had any violations,” she stressed.

Once the ban goes into effect, violators could be fined $1000

The Humane Society of the United States called the signing of the law a "victory."

“Our undercover investigations have uncovered the sale of sick puppies and cruel practices in New York pet stores, highlighting the need for this historic law,” Humane Society CEO Kitty Block said in a statement. "Pet stores will no longer deceive New Yorkers into spending thousands of dollars on puppies that are often sick and almost always come from dreary puppy mills."

In 2017, California became the first state to ban the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits.