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From 2024, pet shops in New York State will ban the sale of pets.
On the 15th local time, the New York Times (NYT) reported that New York Governor Cathy Hocal signed a bill to prevent the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in so-called 'pet shops'.
"Dogs, cats and rabbits living in New York deserve humane treatment in a comfortable housing environment," said Governor Hokkul.
According to the bill, which is scheduled to take effect in December 2024, pet shops in New York State are not required to sell companion animals, but only operate in a way that connects abandoned animals in shelters to households.
In addition, pet shops as well as those who operate animal breeding centers are limited to selling up to 9 animals per year.
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▲ New York Governor Kathy Hokkell
The bill Gov. Hokcal signed into law is seen as an attempt to eradicate breeding grounds, also known as 'puppy mills'.
Previously, animal rights organizations around the world have urged pet shops to 'stop selling companion animals', saying that breeding grounds are abusing animals, such as mechanically breeding them for delivery to pet shops.
Regarding this, the New York Times added, "Even if animals born in breeding farms find adoptive homes, there are many cases in which unexpected amounts of hospital bills are incurred due to poor health due to poor environments."
On the other hand, pet shop owners are fiercely opposing the bill.
They argued that "the ban would make it more difficult for New Yorkers to bring their pets and could lead to an 'underground dark market'."
In addition, some pet shop owners complained of injustice, saying, "We are dealing with a breeding ground that raises animals responsibly and humanely."
With this signature, New York State joins California, Maryland and Illinois in banning 'animal breeding grounds'.
California enacted a similar law in 2017, becoming the first state in the United States to ban factory breeding of companion animals.
(Photo = AP, Yonhap News, Twitter of New York Governor Cathy Hocal)