New York Prohibited Sales Of Cats, Dogs To Smalls At Farmers' Animal Stores Starting In 2024

Illustration. (Unsplash/Roberto Nickson)

Pet retailers will be barred from selling dogs, cats and rabbits in the state of New York, United States from December 2024 under a new law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday, designed to stop the supply of animals from what is called a puppy factory.

Hochul, Democratic politicians say banning pet shops from selling pets will help protect animal welfare and suppress coarse wholesale farmers.

New York will join a small group of other states, including California, Illinois, and Maryland, which have imposed similar bans on such sales.

However, the law leaves the door open for pet stores to work with animal shelters to encourage adoption, including rental rooms.

"Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve a loving home and humane treatment," Hochul said in a statement.

Animal welfare groups celebrate the signing of the bill, while some pet businesses voice concerns it will damage legitimate operators in the industry.

The Chief Executive of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Matt Bershadker said it was a "historic victory" for animals and consumers.

"By ending the violent sale of puppys in state pet stores, New York closed a channel that would allow retail sellers and commercial breeders to profit from unreasonable brutality," he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Selmer's Pet Land in Suflock County, Long Island, New York warned in a Facebook post that the law will allow unethical breeders to thrive on the black market and make it difficult to get pets.

"By ending licensed and regulated local pet stores, you will remove people who care for pets, ensure the health of newly homeated pets with established veterinarians and ensure the success of a new pet family," Jessica Selmer, president of People's United to Protect Pet Integrity, as quoted by the New York Times.

It is known that the number of pet shops in the state, which has decreased, has reached around 80, the report said. The law will allow people to buy animals directly from farmers, according to the outlet.

The bill received bipartisan support in the State Legislative Body which was dominated by the Democratic Party.