It's now illegal to buy dogs or cats in a pet store in NY state

[JanS]

2024 brings a new law in New York State that has to do with selling dogs and cats at pet stores. The law was signed over a year ago but is now officially on the books.

Credit: GlobalP Source: ThinkStock

On December 15th, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to ban retail pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. As of January 1st, 2024, it is illegal for pet stores to sell these animals.

Why Is This Law Needed For Pet Stores?​

The legislation was aimed at ending the puppy mill-to-pet store partnership and to prevent those animals that abusive breeders are selling.

Governor Hochul said this of the new legislation,

Dogs, cats, and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment. I'm proud to sign this legislation, which will make meaningful steps to cut down on harsh treatment and protect the welfare of animals across the state.

Many pet stores sold dogs, cats, and rabbits that had health issues due to these animals coming from abusive breeders and poor breeding. This would cost pet owners thousands in veterinary care.

There Are Uses For These Pet Stores​

The bill also allows these pet stores to charge local shelters to rent their space if they want to host adoption clinics for shelter pets.

Read More: It's Now Illegal to Buy Dogs or Cats at Pet Stores in NY State | It's Now Illegal to Buy Dogs or Cats at Pet Stores in NY State

 

[JanS]

It's about time and more states need to do this.

 

[StateOfMine]

Once in a blue moon New York does something right.

 

[Hollyvenus78]

Wooooo. Hooo!!! thank you goodness -- now we need to get that mess here is Texas! during my search there is a "store" a store in Houston that was selling them and the ad that pops up is ... SAVE 1000.00 on puppies! (wait what??). so I was curious to see what types of puppies (I wouldn't ever buy a mall puppy). they were al mix ups and weird ones! like there was was one they were calling a boxgle (boxer / beagle). lots of "Poos" some chi mixes.. they were disasters...

and the sad thing people must still supporting these knuckle heads because they sell like hot cakes

 

[JanS]

during my search there is a "store" a store in Houston that was selling them and the ad that pops up is ... SAVE 1000.00 on puppies!

I wonder if that's one of the stores I visited when I was down there a few years ago. I just remember I was appalled at them selling them, and appalled that people were flocking to them.

 

[Hollyvenus78]

I wonder if that's one of the stores I visited when I was down there a few years ago. I just remember I was appalled at them selling them, and appalled that people were flocking to them.

Probably!!! I think there is really only one store that does that... they used to be only in the major malls... now I am seeing them in stand alone stores or strip malls

 

[JanS]

I think this one was a stand alone store.

 

[hebes]

I completely support this new law! It’s important to put an end to puppy mills and ensure animals come from loving environments. When I decided to add a feline friend to my family, I ended up buying a cat online through a reputable breeder https://kittylandkittens.com/maine-coon/maine-coon-in-new-jersey/, as I wanted to ensure a healthy and well-socialized pet. And it was such a rewarding experience. I’m excited to see more pets finding homes through shelters. Adoption is also a great option.