ALBANY – A measure that would ban pet shops from selling dogs, cats and rabbits was passed by New York’s State Senate on Wednesday.
Lawmakers pushing the legislation say the act cuts off the “puppy mill pipeline” statewide.
An undercover investigation conducted by The Humane Society of the United States last year found that many New York pet stores obtained puppies from breeders that provided poor conditions.
While the legislation blocks stores from selling the pets, they can work with animal rescue organizations to make animals available for adoption.
People can also buy pets directly from responsible breeders.
The bill passed in the Senate last year but didn’t get to the floor in the Assembly. This year, advocates are looking for a different outcome.
The legislation would take effect one year after becoming law.
Some other measures passed in the Senate Wednesday clarify the definition of what’s considered aggravated animal cruelty, require abandoned property to be inspected for animals, and require courts to consider the best interest of a pet when it comes to possession in a divorce.
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