Statement from Pet Advocacy Network President and CEO Mike Bober:
“New York’s statewide pet sales ban needs to be repealed, not revised with meaningless amendments like AB 981 (www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/A981) that do nothing to protect pets, pet owners or the small business owners who are now facing the destruction of their livelihoods. Extending the effective date will only delay the inevitable demise of stores whose ability to compete depends on directly connecting families with healthy pets. Additionally, giving stores permission to charge space rental fees ignores the fact that many stores lease their space, and those agreements often prohibit them from subletting. It is a tragedy that lawmakers have targeted regulated pet stores, the most transparent source for pets that provides longstanding legal protections for both New Yorkers and the animals they bring home, instead of focusing on the real problem of unlicensed breeders who mistreat animals. The sales ban and these amendments are misdirected and will do nothing to improve animal health and wellbeing nor safeguard New York citizens.”
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. Our members include retailers, companion animal suppliers, manufacturers, wholesale distributors, manufacturers’ representatives, pet hobbyists, and other trade organizations.