A law prohibiting the selling of animals in pet stores was approved in New York State in June of last year. On December 15, the law was finally signed by the governor, Kathy Hochul, bringing about a significant change in the pet sector. Now that commercial dog and cat breeding is forbidden, New York will follow the example set by California, Maryland, and Illinois.

Banning pet stores was a controversial issue and caused conflicts between animal welfare organizations and pet stores. The organizations claimed that pets, including dogs, cats, and rabbits, were being sold in inhumane conditions. Pets with weak immune systems are raised in unmanaged breeding facilities, getting exposed to infectious diseases. On the other hand, pet shops argued that the bill will destroy their industry and give rise to hundreds of unemployed workers. Even though not all pet stores are brutally selling pets, pets should still be treated humanely in safe shelters. As animals are companions that live together with humans, their safety must be ensured.

https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2022/09/16/will-ny-ban-the-sale-of-cats-and-dogs-at-pet-stores-how-it-would-work/69497310007/

A Democrat Sen. Michael Gianaris mentioned New York was a “big purchaser and profiteer of puppy mills,” and now it is “trying to cut off the demand at a retail level.” Although the bill is taking effect in December 2024 to ease sudden changes in the economy, it is expected to forbid pet sales in more than 80 pet stores in New York. Pet stores will then only help with the adoption of abandoned animals for households. Also, the number of pets breeders can sell annually is limited to 9. It is hoped that a guarantee against animal abuse will be provided and that the number of abandoned animals will reduce gradually.

심예빈 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

<저작권자 © 강남포스트, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>