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Starting December 15, pet stores across New York State will be prohibited from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits. The ban, known as the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, is aimed at ending the abusive practices of large-scale breeding operations, often referred to as puppy mills. These operations have been criticized for inhumane treatment and poor health conditions for animals. Retail pet stores that violate the ban could face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.
According to Daily Voice Yorktown, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the upcoming ban on Friday, November 22. She emphasized that the law is designed to disrupt puppy mills, which often misrepresent the health of the animals they breed and send sick pets to retail stores. These pets often cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care.
Despite the ban, pet stores may still partner with registered, nonprofit animal rescue organizations to showcase animals available for adoption. However, they could face fines if they continue to sell, lease, or transfer ownership of these animals.
Earlier this year, the Attorney General’s office secured $300,000 in restitution for customers of Shake A Paw, a Long Island pet store that had sold sick pets, misrepresented their health and breed, and refused to reimburse families for veterinary bills, according to the Attorney General's Office.