New York Attorney General Letitia James reminded retailers on Friday that pet stores will no longer be allowed to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits anymore starting on Dec. 15.
The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act aims to undermine the puppy mill industry, where pets are mass-bred, mistreated, diseased, and then sold for cheap. Signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) in 2022, retailers were given two years to make the appropriate adjustments to comply with the law.
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“This pet sale ban will help put an end to the dangerous puppy mill to pet store pipeline that endangers pets and costs New Yorkers thousands of dollars in veterinary care,” James said in a press release. “New Yorkers interested in adding a furry friend to their family can still adopt a pet at a humane society, animal rescue, or a licensed breeder.”
The law includes two ways for these animals to continue being sold at pet shops: Retailers can “host adoption services in conjunction with animal shelters or rescue organizations” or “charge shelters or rescues a reasonable rental fee to use their space for adoptions.”
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Pet stores found to have violated the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act could face penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.
The Office of the New York Attorney General sent out a letter to pet stores notifying them of the deadline, dated Nov. 15. It states that “any dogs, cats, or rabbits sold before December 15, 2024, may not remain on the premises.”
“Not only will the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act help protect animals, it will also help protect consumers from purchasing sick animals,” the letter states, adding that the AG’s office “expects adherence to the law once it is in effect and will take reports of non-compliance seriously.”
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In the United States, 45.5% of households own dogs, and spend $580 per year on veterinary care on those dogs, 32.1% own cats, spending $433 per year on veterinary care on those cats. Only 0.7% of households own rabbits.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the New York Attorney General’s Office for comment.