New York will ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores, joining other states that restrict animal sales as part of a push by animal-welfare organizations to shut down large breeders in the Midwest.
The ban will take effect in 2024, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat who signed the legislation Thursday. “Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment,” she said. Democrats have majorities in the state Legislature but the bill passed with bipartisan support earlier this year.
