STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Beginning tomorrow, Dec. 15, pet stores in New York will be banned from selling cats and dogs, as a 2022 state law takes effect.
The New York City Health Department will be enforcing the ban and has communicated with all permitted NYC pet stores to remind them of the upcoming deadline, said a Health Department announcement.
In 2022, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at retail pet stores with the goal of ending the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline.
The law will also allow pet stores to charge shelters rent to use their space for adoptions. The new law also aims to stop abusive pet breeders.
“Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment,” Hochul said in 2022, when she signed the legislation.
The legislation aims to prevent the buying and selling of animals from large-scale, abusive breeders who lack proper veterinary care, food or socialization. Often times, these animals have health issues resulting from poor breeding, and can cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care, said Hochul’s office at the time.
“Make this holiday season unforgettable and consider adopting a furry friend from one of the Animal Care Centers of NYC, said Health Department Deputy Commissioner Corrine Schiff. “By choosing adoption, you’ll gain a devoted family member and give a deserving animal a chance at happiness. We hope this new legislation will encourage New Yorkers to open their homes to cats and dogs that are already available at our shelters and local rescue partners.”
Every day, there are hundreds of adorable dogs, cats, and other animals available for adoption in New York City and ready to win you over,” said Director of the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare Alexandra Silver. “My own Lucas and Freddie Mercury came from Animal Care Centers of NYC, and I am so lucky to share my home with these two fantastic felines,‘’ she said.
“This law not only helps shut down that pipeline but also shines a light on humane alternatives such as adopting from shelters,‘’ said Risa Weinstock, President and CEO of Animal Care Centers of NYC. “At Animal Care Centers of NYC, we see firsthand the impact of overbreeding and neglect, and we know this law will help ensure more animals find the loving homes they deserve.”
Currently, there are 24 pet shops permitted by the Health Department to sell cats and dogs in the city.
That means each of these stores has a certificate in animal care and handling to manage a pet shop or business that sells, grooms, or houses cats, dogs, or other small animals.
The Health Department will conduct inspections as needed and issue summonses subject to fines to any pet shop not in compliance and, if necessary, take additional enforcement action, it said in the announcement.
The NYC Health Department oversees three animal shelters in New York City through ACC — Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
The public should report any pet store selling cats or dogs after the deadline to 311.
More information about adopting and fostering animals in New York City is available on the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare website.
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2024-12-14 21:35:43
