New York Passes Law to Shut Down the Puppy Mill Pipeline

Animal welfare groups have commended the New York State Legislature for passing the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill—groundbreaking legislation that will end the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores across the state.

Championed by Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, this bill now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul. If signed into law, it would stop the flow of cruelly bred puppies into New York.

“Over the years we have tried to regulate pet stores, but the industry continues to prioritize profits over the welfare of animals. My legislation will finally shut down the pet store-to-puppy mill pipeline once and for all,” Linda B. Rosenthal said.

“With so many good animals in need of rescue, there is no need for abusive puppy mills to supply pet stores. Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities,” noted Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris.

The Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill is supported by leading animal welfare groups including the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and various others, including millions of New York animal lovers who support ending the sale of puppies in pet stores.

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Puppies sold in pet stores come from commercial breeding operations that are designed to prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. Breeding dogs in these facilities are often kept without adequate shelter, veterinary care, food, or socialization.

These puppies can suffer severe health and behavioral issues–and families are often unprepared for the financial loss and heartbreak that come with buying a sick puppy.

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This broken system is made possible because it’s still legal to sell dogs in New York pet stores, leaving New York to become one of the puppy mill industry’s largest markets. When the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill is signed into law, New York will shut down this pipeline and deny cruel mills access to New York’s communities.