New York State has officially implemented a new law that bans the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores. The law, which went into effect on Sunday, aims to curb the practice of selling animals from commercial breeding operations, known for their inhumane conditions. However, home breeders are exempt from this retail ban.
Pet Store Closures Due to New Law
Emilio Ortiz, the longtime manager of Citipups, a pet store located in Chelsea, expressed his concern over the closure of his business due to the new law. Ortiz explained that the ban would affect not only his store but also 35 employees who depend on the pet shop for their livelihood. “We’re supporting 35 families, and now all of them will lose their jobs right before the holidays,” Ortiz said.
Outside the store, protesters rallied, highlighting the cruel conditions at commercial breeding facilities. A video shared by the Humane Society showed dogs confined to outdoor cages in a Missouri breeding operation.
Protests Against Commercial Breeders
“This is exploitation. This is cruelty. This is inhumane,” said protester Marilyn, emphasizing the need to address the conditions faced by animals at commercial breeding facilities. Ortiz, however, defended his store, stating that the dogs they sell come from reputable breeders he personally knows and trusts. “These accusations are outrageous. They have no idea what it’s like to run a business like ours,” Ortiz said.
Despite the physical closure of Citipups, Ortiz plans to continue selling puppies online, with some priced over $3,000.
Shelters Overcrowded, Adoption Fees Lowered
Meanwhile, New York City’s largest animal shelter system is dealing with an overwhelming number of adoptable pets. Shelters nationwide are facing a “homeless animal crisis,” with many shelters being forced to euthanize animals due to overcrowding. “We need people to adopt. We need people to foster right now. This is the biggest homeless animal crisis we’ve ever seen, and some shelters are killing animals as soon as they arrive,” Marilyn warned.
New York Joins Growing Trend of Pet Sale Bans
New York is not the first state to implement such a ban. California passed similar legislation in 2017, but now faces a growing black market for puppies, with a rise in online pet scams reported by the Better Business Bureau.
Source: CBS News
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