This action could bring the barking of joy.
During the final hours of the 2022 legislative session, state lawmakers passed a bill that would prevent pet stores from selling animals supplied by violent breeders or “puppy mills” – and instead encourage the adoption of dogs and cats from rescue centers.
The measure, sponsored by Senator Michael Gianaris (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), now goes to Gov. Kathy Hochul for final approval after kicking around for years.
Lawmakers said the “pipeline from puppy mill to pet store” has led to animal cruelty from breeders.
“With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for violent puppy mills to supply pet stores,” said Gianaris, the Senate’s deputy majority leader.
“Our four-legged comrades should be treated with respect, not as goods,” Gianaris said.
The legislation will allow store owners to sell animals that come from nonprofit adoption organizations and animal welfare associations – such as the Humane Society or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Assemblywoman Rosenthal said: “People are becoming more and more aware of the horrors of the puppy mills and they want nothing to do with it.
“And we see especially in New York City that everyone seems to have a pet, and they want their pets to come from good places, and they want healthy pets, and the sad reality is that pet stores get theirs. dogs from puppy mills, where they are bred in terrible conditions, ”Rosenthal added.
About 80 pet stores will be affected. Some have previously warned that such a law would put them out of action while doing nothing to curb breeders who cage animals in basements without access to veterinary care because they just want to sell creatures online.
But animal rights activists rejoiced.
“Closing the puppy mill pipeline will help stop retailers and commercial breeders from engaging in – and taking advantage of – unscrupulous brutality,” said ASPCA President Matt Bershadker.
