Law Banning Pet Sales Will Close Businesses, Grow Puppy Black Market
On Monday (Dec. 9), the Pet Advocacy Network, which advocates for the responsible pet care community at all levels of government, announced the filing of a lawsuit seeking an injunction against an upcoming New York law that will put local pet stores across the state out of business during the holiday season.
The law, slated to take effect Dec. 15, prohibits pet stores from selling dogs and cats sourced from professional, licensed and inspected breeders, despite pet stores already providing warranties to protect consumers. The law will make it harder for New Yorkers to get a puppy from a good breeder and put local pet stores out of business–a boon to unlicensed “puppy mills” that sell on the black market. In the years since California enacted a similar pet sale ban, reported puppy scams have surged by 350%, consumer protections have been lost, and veterinarians have seen an increase in sick puppies acquired from unregulated sources.
Mike Bober, CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network, said:
“Pet sale bans hurt pets, families and small businesses. The so-called ‘Puppy Mill Pipeline Law’ takes away longstanding protections for pet owners and leaves New Yorkers more vulnerable to fraudulent sellers on the unregulated black market, while doing nothing to stop bad breeders. The effects are already being seen, as beloved small businesses that have served New York communities for decades are closing across the state.
Despite our best efforts to warn legislators of the consequences of this law, they refused to work with local businesses. Now we’re forced to ask the court to put a stop to this before more consumers, animals, and local businesses are seriously harmed.”
Pet Advocacy Network joins six New York businesses as plaintiffs. The lawsuit was filed in the Supreme Court of Suffolk County. A copy of the lawsuit is available upon request. For further comment or to arrange an interview, contact press@petadvocacy.org.
About the Pet Advocacy NetworkThe Pet Advocacy Network connects the experience and expertise of the responsible pet care community to lawmakers and governing bodies, advocating for legislative and regulatory priorities at the local, state, federal and international levels. Since 1971, the organization has worked to promote animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, foster environmental stewardship, and ensure access to healthy pets, including small animals, cats, dogs, fish, reptiles, and birds. Pet Advocacy Network members include retailers, companion animal suppliers, manufacturers, wholesale distributors, manufacturers’ representatives, pet hobbyists, and other trade organizations. To learn more, visit www.PetAdvocacy.org.
