New York enacts law ending retail sales of dogs and cats

NEW YORK – Pet store puppies and cats are no longer for sale in New York state.

The law went into effect on Sunday banning the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits.

The legislation aims to eliminate the cruel treatment of dogs at puppy mills.

“The less of a demand there is for dogs from puppy mills, the less dogs will have to suffer,” Leslie Granger, president and CEO of Bideawee said.

Another argument against pet stores is that it leads to euthanization of cats and dogs due to overpopulation at shelters. 

According to Best Friends Animal Society data in 2023, it shows more than 415,000 dogs and cats were unnecessarily killed at shelters. They hope that number will now be eliminated.

“There was 7 million people that was estimated to acquire a pet in 2024 and if 6% of those chose to adopt rather than purchase an animal, we can end the unnecessary killing of cats and dogs in local shelters,” Lexi Kaul, manager of lifesaving care at Best Friends Animal Society.

At the lifesaving center in SoHo, they say they provide the appropriate care, resources, and love that their volunteers spend time with the animals offering enrichment.

Pet stores still have an opportunity to have cats and dogs in their stores, but it would be in collaboration with shelters and non-profits. New pet owners could get all the food and toys at the store at one stop. 

However, if there’s a pure breed animal you want, activists say try opening your horizons.

“There are cats and dogs of all kinds, and it’s really the personality of that pet. Does it match your lifestyle and what you’re looking for?” Granger said.

Best Friends has a holiday special going on called “12 Days of Cheer” where you can go and adopt a dog or cat. To learn more, click here.

Pets and AnimalsNew York