Animal advocates have continued to work tirelessly to find homes for adoptable animals, all while commercial breeders continue to produce more and more to meet the demand for puppies and kittens.
It's a tragic and vicious cycle that's hurting animals, but New York could soon be the next state to end it.
Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal have just introduced legislation (S.4234/A.6298) that would ban pet store sales of puppies, kittens and rabbits throughout the state, and instead require them to work with rescues and shelters if they want to offer animals.
While many continue to defend pet store sales of puppies, claiming that they sell only animals who come from breeders licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the standards that have to be met for licensing are the bare minimum, enforcement is lacking, and penalties for violations aren't strong enough.
Tragically for the animals involved, multiple investigations, inspections and busts have continued to expose the problems inherent in these types of large-scale operations, otherwise known as puppy and kitten mills, including overcrowding, inadequate shelter, unsanitary conditions and a lack of food, water, veterinary care and socialization, among other issues.
As the bill's supporter's note, New York has one of the highest concentrations of pet stores in the nation, which means this legislation would close a huge market for animals being churned out by mills.
Not only would it help save the lives of companion animals in need of homes and reduce the demand for more from breeders, it will help protect consumers, and relieve taxpayers who are ultimately paying for shelters to house and kill animals.
Please sign and share this petition urging lawmakers in New York to take a compassionate stand for companion animals by passing this important piece of legislation.
