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(New York, NY) – Starting on December 15th, pet stores in New York State will no longer be allowed to sell cats, dogs and rabbits. The law is an effort to stop abusive practices at large-scale breeding operations or puppy mills. Licensed pet dealers that continue the sale of those animals could face a fine of up to $1,000 per violation.
Although, pet stores are not rolling over on this one. Several pet shops, including two in Brooklyn and the Bronx, have filed a lawsuit against Governor Kathy Hochul in an attempt to overturn the law. They say they follow the rules and ethically source their animals. The shops also claim that the sales of those animals are crucial to their businesses and don’t believe they can survive on only selling pet supplies. Attorney Jonathan Gill is requesting an injunction from a judge while they continue to challenge the law.
