New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation that will ban retail pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits starting in 2024
The ban is intended to end abusive breeding practices by puppy and kitten mills that often supply animals to pet stores
The legislation targets breeding systems that abuse animals and fail to provide proper care, food, and socialization
Customers who purchase pets from these mills can often incur significant veterinary bills later
The legislation will also allow pet stores to charge shelters rent in exchange for using their space for adoption services
The bill was originally passed in June with bipartisan support, but Hochul made changes before signing it, including adding the adoption amendment and changing the implementation date to 2024
California, Maryland, and Illinois have already passed similar legislation
The ban will not affect breeders who breed, raise, and sell animals born on their own property
The People United to Protect Pet Integrity (PUPPI) coalition, which advocates for pet stores in New York, criticized the legislation and said it could force many small stores to close
PUPPI President Jessica Selmer hopes the governor will "consider legislative remedies" to address the pitfalls of the bill