The sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet stores is one step closer to being banned in New York State.

On Tuesday, the New York State Senate passed Bill SB4234, which prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by retail pet shops; instead, authorizing space in the stores to be used for the adoption of animals.

The bill has now moved to the Assembly for vote. If passed by the Assembly, the critical bill will then head to the Governor’s desk for his signature to establish it as law.

“Today the N.Y. Senate passed my anti-puppy mill bill banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail pet stores,” New York Senator Michael Gianaris, who sponsored the critical bill, said in a post on his Facebook page. He further noted that animals that are sold in pet stores are often sourced from cruel and barbaric mills.

Gianaris was compelled to draft the bill after speaking with local pet store owners and researching the violations of their questionable suppliers. He was left “aghast” at the deplorable conditions that these poor innocent animals have to endure.

On the Senate floor, Gianaris explained that while the public views the “puppy in the window” as cute, most are unaware of the brutal and awful conditions that animals bred by unscrupulous breeders are subjected to; noting that they are treated as commodities and not sentient beings that will become beloved members of people’s families.

“These people are not looking at these animals as lives to be respected, but as a way to make more and more money,” stated Gianaris.

California was the first state to enact such legislation, prohibiting dogs, cats, and rabbits to be sold in retail pet stores; instead promoting adoption from local rescue groups and shelters.

Maryland followed with legislation that only allows pet shops to adopt out dogs and cats that come from local shelters as well.

https://worldanimalnews.com/breaking-new-york-state-senate-passes-bill-banning-the-sale-of-dogs-cats-bill-now-moves-to-the-assembly-for-vote/