NEW YORK ONE STEP CLOSER TO BANNING THE SALE OF PETS IN RETAIL STORES

The New York State Legislature finally approved the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill on 3 June. This will evidently end the sale of pets such as dogs, cats and rabbits in all pet stores. However, before this can officially become a law in the state, Governor Kathy Hochul still needs to sign the bill.

Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO revealed in a statement, “Having one of the country’s highest concentrations of pet stores that sell puppies, New York state needs to end the sale of cruelly bred puppy mill dogs in pet shops by finally passing the New York Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill.”

This follows a number of similar  legislation in other states and cities, including Dallas, Maryland and California. The U.S is closer to completely banning the sale of pets in stores from puppy and kitten mills and non-reputable breeders.

The Humane Society of the United States discovered that pet stores in New York first purchased the puppies from puppy mills breeders which mission is to gain a profit. These puppy mill conditions aren’t the best or healthiest conditions for these animals. These animals in puppy mills and kitten mills are housed in cramped, dirty conditions without appropriate medical care, and the breeders disregard proper breeding standards and don’t provide adequate health testing.

Libby Post, executive director of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, releases in a statement, “If consumers knew where the puppies, kittens and rabbits sold at pet stores came from, they would be appalled. The conditions and treatment these animals endure is inexcusable.”

However, pet stores in New York are still able to work with rescue organisations to provide pets for adoption.

Michael Gianaris, bill sponsor and Senate Deputy Leader revealed, “With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for pet stores to sell animals from abusive puppy mills. Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities.”