Gov. Kathy Hochul signs legislation aimed at ending puppy mill pipeline
NEW YORK -- Dogs, cats and rabbits can no longer be sold at retail pet stores in New York.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the new law Thursday aimed at ending the puppy mill pipeline and abusive breeders.
The governor says often, animals sold in pet stores have health issues resulting from poor breeding.
Pet stores will now be allowed to charge shelters to rent use of their stores for adoptions.
"We know that we place these guys in really, really well-suited homes. We know that we take great care of our puppies. It just would be sad not to have this," said Lisa Caiazzo, of Petite Pets Huntington.
"This is a tremendous victory for man's best friend. People can continue to get pure-bred animals from shelters where 25 percent of animals are pure-bred," said John DiLeonardo, with Humane Long Island.
The legislation takes effect in 2024.