Senate passes bill to ban sale of animals in pet stores – Times Union

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, left, and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal answer questions during a press conference where Sen. Gianaris announced support for his anti-puppy mill legislation in 2020 at the Capitol. (Will Waldron/Times Union)
ALBANY — The state Senate passed legislation this week that would ban the retail sale of animals in pet stores, drawing an immediate rebuke from industry supporters who said those businesses would likely need to close and put numerous people out of work.
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, D-Queens, had been a chief sponsor of the bill that he said is intended to shut down the “puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline.” 
“With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for puppy mills that abuse animals to supply pet stores. Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities,” said Gianaris, who has been pushing the legislation for several years.
 
Lawmakers who support the legislation said most of the animals sold in pet stores come from animal-producing “mills” that they contend engage in inhumane practices. The offspring of those operations, which breed animals that include cats, dogs and rabbits, often have “congenital issues resulting from poor breeding and can cost families thousands of dollars in veterinary care,” according to a statement issued by Gianaris’ office.
A group calling itself People United to Protect Pet Integrity issued a statement condemning the legislation.
“It is absolutely unconscionable that the state Senate would take action today on a bill that will put every single retail pet shop in New York State out of business,” the statement read. “This bill will not only cause a loss of revenue to the state and put thousands of hardworking New Yorkers out of work, but it will also drive New York’s retail pet industry into the shadows and usher in a new era of unregulated, unchecked pet sales that will be detrimental to animal welfare across the board.”
According to the Senate, the state Department of Agriculture and Markets indicates there are approximately 80 pet stores registered in the state.
The bill is also moving through the state Assembly.
“It’s no secret that puppy mills breed cruelty, but many people still do not realize that when you buy an animal from a pet store, you are unwittingly supporting puppy mills,” said Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal, D-Manhattan.

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