New York to impose ban on sale of cats, dogs and rabbits in pet stores from 2024. See details

On Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislation to place a ban on selling cats, rabbits, and dogs by retail pet stores in NY State, USA, effective from 2024.

According to Hochul's office, the prohibition is an effort to halt the widespread brutal breeding practices of puppy and kitten factories that provide animals to pet merchants.

It looks to curb inhumane breeding techniques where animals aren't given proper veterinary care, food and socializing.


Vet bills for pets purchased from a puppy mill might cost the buyer several thousand dollars. To prevent the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits, the new regulation allows pet stores to charge shelter rent in exchange for the use of their location for adoption services.

It passed with bipartisan support in June, but Hochul amended it to include the adoption provision and delayed its effective date until 2024 before she signed it.

Queens state senator Michael Gianaris praised Hochul's pick, calling it "a fantastic day for our four-legged companions."

The group People United to Protect Pet Integrity (PUPPI) in New York is opposed to the new rule because it would force many mom-and-pop pet stores to close.



The president of PUPPI, Jessica Selmer, has called the bill "counterproductive." She has asked the governor to "seek legislative remedies to some of the flaws of the policy."

The Golden State of California passed the first legislation of its sort in 2017. This was followed by the states of Maryland and Illinois in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

New York does not apply to breeders that produce and sell animals that were born on the premises.

FAQs:

1. When will New York ban the sale of pets in pet stores?
   It will start in the year 2024.
2. What animals is New York banning in pet stores?
   Rabbits, cats and dogs.