NY Considers Statewide Ban of Pet Shop Dog, Cat and Rabbit Sales

The New York state Senate has passed a bill that would ban the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits by pet shops.

the legislation would still need approval from the state Assembly before landing on the governor’s desk. It’s not yet known when it might appear on the agenda, the Albany Times Union reports.

If the bill passes, it could affect about 80 stores statewide that are licensed to sell pets.

The bill was sponsored by State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, a Democrat from Queens.

“Our four-legged companions should be treated with respect, not like commodities,” he said.

An organization called People United to Protect Pet Integrity opposes the legislation. The group has said that adopting a rescue pet “can come with more uncertainty than what proponents have suggested results from purchasing pets at stores,” according to the Times Union.

Read more at the Albany Times Union