New York bans the sale of dogs and cats as pets

 Recently, the state of New York in the United States has just passed a law prohibiting the sale and purchase of cats and dogs as pets.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, "Dogs and cats all over New York deserve a home and humane treatment. I am proud to sign this legislation, which takes meaningful steps to Reduce cruelty and protect animal rights across the state."

Small dogs - or large dog breeding facilities - are usually not supervised. According to the Humane Society of the United States, in these places, the welfare of dogs is compromised to maximize profits. However, most puppy mills are still legal.

"In most states, they can legally cage dozens or even hundreds of dogs for life for breeding purposes, as long as the dogs have access to basic food, water, and shelter," the Humane Society says on its website wrote.

The group estimates that as many as 10,000 puppy mills are currently operating in the United States, fewer than 3,000 of which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). According to the Humane Society, puppies sold directly to the public are not required to comply with animal welfare laws, which mandate minimum standards of care for animals sold. That selling to pet stores must be legally licensed and inspected by the USDA. Bill Kaiser, senior director of state law for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), told Ithaca Daily reporter Kate Collins that subjects who violate animal welfare laws are rarely executed.

Animal rights campaigners have hailed the law banning the sale of cats as pets as it would help reduce animal cruelty and encourage people to adopt some of the 6.3 million animals that need shelter each year. The ASPCA estimates that approximately 920,000 stray dogs and cats die each year.

According to reports, new laws that will go into effect in 2024 will allow pet stores to rent out space to host cat and dog adoption events. Under the law, customers will still be able to buy animals directly from their owners, which advocates say will help buyers understand where their pets come from, journalist Maysoon Khan wrote for U.S. News.

"If consumers go to a cat and dog store and see it in poor condition, they won't buy the animals. Dealing with a breeder lets customers know where their dog came from and cuts out the middleman," said Senator Michael Genaris of New York told the news agency.

Opponents, however, argue the new law will hurt responsible pet store owners.

"By ending licensed and regulated local pet stores, you're eliminating veterinarians who ensure the health of pets and the success of new pet families," said Jessica Selmer, president of the United to Protect the Integrity of Pets (PUPPI), a pet store owner alliance.

The PUPPI statement noted that the law would do little to deter large-scale breeders because most of them are located outside New York state. In 2021, for example, 25,000 puppies will be brought into New York from puppy breeding facilities, according to Ithaca Magazine. Opponents say the law could facilitate illegal sales on the black market by unscrupulous farmers, journalist Tyler Clifford said.

New York follows similar bans in other U.S. states such as California, Illinois, and Maryland. However, the bill was opposed by the pet industry.

At present, the number of pet stores in New York is decreasing, down to more than 80.