New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a reminder to licensed pet dealers that selling dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail stores will be prohibited starting December 15. The ban aims to curb the operations of "puppy mills," where animals often face mistreatment and health issues. Retailers continuing sales after the deadline risk penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. However, New Yorkers can still adopt pets from humane societies, animal rescues, or licensed breeders.
Attorney General James stated, “Bringing a new pet into a family should be a time of excitement and joy, but often animals from ‘puppy mills’ suffer from serious medical issues and leave families heartbroken over their sick pet and with a heavy bill to pay.” She added that the ban will disrupt the pipeline between puppy mills and pet stores that endangers pets and imposes financial burdens on New Yorkers.
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris remarked, “This is a great step forward for our four-legged friends as we continue to fight against abusive and inhumane puppy mills.” He expressed gratitude towards Attorney General James for her commitment to enforcing the new law.
Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal commented on the upcoming changes: “Stores selling cats, dogs and rabbits will finally face the music this December when that practice must end.” She expressed pride in sponsoring the legislation that aims to shut down the cruel puppy mill pipeline in New York State.
The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, co-sponsored by Senator Gianaris and Assemblymember Rosenthal, bans retail pet shops from selling or transferring ownership of dogs, cats, or rabbits. Pet stores can partner with registered nonprofit animal rescue organizations to showcase animals for adoption. They may also charge reasonable rental fees for space used by rescue groups. Violators could face enforcement actions by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
Earlier this year, Attorney General James secured $300,000 from Shake A Paw, a Long Island pet store accused of selling sick puppies illegally. An investigation revealed deceptive practices such as falsely advertising sick pets as healthy and failing to disclose medical conditions.