Community News
Protecting Our Furry Friends
Queens lawmaker’s bill to ban animal sales in pet
stores advances in state Senate
www.qns.com I LIC COURIER I FEBRUARY 2020 23
LBY BILL PARRY egislation that would
change your neighborhood
pet shop for good
is gaining support in Albany.
State Senator Michael
Gianaris’ bill that would prohibit the
sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail
pet stores passed the Domestic Animal
Welfare Committee, the first procedural
hurdle to the measure becoming law.
“With so many good animals in need of
rescue, there is no need for puppy mills
that abuse animals to supply pet stores.
Our four-legged companions should
be treated with respect, not like commodities,”
Gianaris said. “I am pleased this
important legislation moved out of committee
and continues to build momentum
with many of my Senate colleagues.”
Gianaris noted the bill now has 17
co-sponsors, including Senators Joseph
Addabbo, John Liu, Jessica Ramos
and Toby Ann Stavisky. The majority of
animals available for sale in pet stores
come from dog, cat and bunny mills
and the offspring on mill animals often
have congenital issues resulting from
poor breeding and can cost families
thousands of dollars in veterinary care.
“With this game-changing vote, the
puppy mill industry has been put on
notice that their time in New York is
coming to an end,” Humane Society of
the United States New York State Director
Brian Shapiro said. “This popular
legislation has led to a groundswell of
public support and we’re anticipating
the bill’s eventual passage. The HSUS
applauds Senator Gianaris for his dedication
to protecting animals and the
interests of consumers.”
Gianaris is a leader on animal welfare
in the Senate, passing the nation’s firstever
statewide ban on cat declawing.
“We applaud the Senate for moving
this bill, which is a win-win for animals and
people,” NYC Bar Association Animal Law
Committee Chairman Christopher Wlach
said. “For one, it promotes animal adoption
and reduces the alarming rate of shelter
animal euthanasia. At the same time, by
eliminating a primary source of sales for
Courtesy of Senator Gianaris' office
puppy, kitten and rabbit mills, it protects
consumers and the environment.”
“Only two other states, Maryland and
California, have enacted similar bans.
Asked about the legislation during an
unrelated event,” Governor Andrew Cuomo
said, “I’ve heard nothing about it, but
you’re right, it does sound a little silly.”
His office later clarified that Cuomo was
trying to be lighthearted in his response
and that the governor is interested in “any
proposal that would better protect pets.”
Cuomo often posts photos of his
family dog Captain on social media.
“We’ll review this legislation in consultation
with the state’s top kibble and
chew toy advocate, Captain,” Cuomo
spokesman Rich Azzopardi said.
Councilman Costa Constantinides’ office
Watson and Kerouac join state Senator
Michael Gianaris as he announced his bill to
stop the puppy mill pipeline is moving forward.
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