New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a reminder to licensed pet dealers operating retail stores that the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits will be prohibited from 15 December 2024.
The move aims to halt the operations of “puppy mills,” known for large-scale breeding, where animals often endure mistreatment and develop severe health problems.
Puppy mills have been criticised for misrepresenting animal health, resulting in retail stores selling sick pets that burden families with high veterinary costs.
Retailers who defy the ban after the specified date may incur fines of up to $1,000 per violation.
New Yorkers can continue to adopt pets from recognised humane societies and animal rescues, or from licensed breeders.
Attorney General James said: “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.
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“This pet sale ban will help put an end to the dangerous puppy mill to pet store pipeline that endangers pets and costs New Yorkers thousands of dollars in veterinary care.
New Yorkers interested in adding a furry friend to their family can still adopt a pet at a humane society, animal rescue or a licensed breeder.”
The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, which is co-sponsored by Senator Michael Gianaris and Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, bans retail pet shops from selling, leasing and transferring ownership of dogs, cats or rabbits.
Under the new law, pet stores are permitted to partner with registered non-profit animal rescue groups to display adoptable animals.
They may also charge these groups reasonable rental fees for space.
The Office of the Attorney General holds the authority to enforce this act and impose penalties for violations.
In early 2024, Attorney General James obtained $300,000 from Shake A Paw in Long Island as restitution for consumers who were sold sick puppies under false pretences.
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said: “This is a great step forward for our four-legged friends as we continue to fight against abusive and inhumane puppy mills.
We have stood up for the voiceless animals, who deserve respect and compassion, and I am grateful the Attorney General intends to vigorously enforce our new law.”