(PRESS RELEASE) Statement from Pet Advocacy Network President and CEO Mike Bober:
“By signing S.1130/A.4283 into law today, New York Governor Hochul has destroyed the livelihoods of law-abiding small business owners and removed longstanding legal protections for animals and for families who adopt puppies, kittens and rabbits. Eliminating the state’s most highly regulated and inspected pet source—the only source that is required to provide consumer warranties that give new pet owners peace of mind—makes no sense.This misdirected law will cause New York’s local pet stores that bring families together with pets to go out of business, lay off their employees, and have a negative ripple effect throughout their communities during turbulent economic times. It is a loss for New Yorkers that lawmakers did not directly target unregulated breeders who mistreat animals. The changes the governor made of extending the implementation date by a year and allowing stores to charge shelters and rescues rent will not save these small pet stores whose livelihood is dependent on placing new pets with families.
All of us in the responsible pet care community want to safeguard animals. This law will not do that. It will only put the health and well-being of more animals and the families who bring them home at risk.”
About Pet Advocacy Network
The 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.