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Landmark Pet Ban Goes Into Effect in NYC
Bryan Reisberg
December 19, 2024
Landmark Pet Ban Goes Into Effect in NYC
As of December 15th 2024, New York is hitting the brakes on retail pet sales with the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act! š¶š±š° The law bans the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores, pushing adoption through humane societies, rescues, and licensed breeders instead.
Where Do Pet Store Puppies Come From?
According to the ASPCA website, āpuppies sold in pet stores typically come from commercial breeding operations known as āpuppy millsā that are designed to prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Dogs in these facilities who are used for breeding puppies often spend their entire lives in wire crates without adequate shelter, veterinary care, food or socialization.
Cruel breeders rely on a pipeline of dog brokers, auctions and transporters to ship their dogs from puppy mills to pet shops throughout the nation.ā
Why was New Yorkās law changed?
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law prohibiting the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits, which went into effect on December 15, 2024. This groundbreaking legislation will stop the flow of cruelly bred puppies to New York Stateās pet stores.
What does this mean for families looking for a pet?
This legislation does not impact responsible breeders who sell the dogs they breed directly to families, and it does not impact animal shelters or rescue organizations.
The Shake A Paw Lawsuit that Started It All
The crackdown follows a major lawsuit where heartbroken owners accused Long Islandās Shake A Paw of selling sick puppies. After 100+ complaints, the pet store chain coughed up $300,000 in restitution. One owner, Erin Laxon, shared how her sick pup sadly didnāt survive, but sheās relieved no one else will face her ordeal.
While critics worry about the impact on businesses, advocates like Libby Post suggest stores can pivot to host adoption events and stock pet supplies instead. Enforcement of the ban comes with a biteāviolators could face fines of up to $1,000 per infraction.
The Domino Effect
Coloradoās Commerce City is saying "no" to retail pet sales as well! Earlier this week, city leaders voted 7-2 to approve an ordinance banning retail stores from selling dogs and catsāunless theyāre from reputable sources like shelters, rescues, or licensed breeders.
With this ordinance, Commerce City joins 19 other Colorado cities standing against retail pet sales, while Westminster considers hopping on board next. Will Colorado follow New Yorkās lead with a statewide ban? Stay tunedāthis debate is far from over!
The sale of puppies in pet stores is currently banned in 8 states:
California
Maryland
New York
Illinois
Washington
Texas
Florida
Indianapolis
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