Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-C, Utica/Rome) joined with area humane societies and animal welfare groups to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Puppy Mill Ban.
“This legislation, which had overwhelming support in the Assembly and State Senate, will prohibit pet stores from purchasing animals from these wholesale operations that look for profit over animal welfare. Puppy mill animals have a myriad of health issues, from lack of vet care, overbreeding and in-breeding. These issues can be costly to the purchaser, and in many cases these animals are abandoned at area animal shelters and rescues” said Buttenschon.
This bill will not affect responsible breeders, who follow humane guidelines and provide families with sound, healthy pets.
There are thousands of animals currently looking for homes in the central New York Area. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 25 to 30 percent of all shelter pets are purebreds. Our animal shelters and rescues are overrun with homeless, abandoned or unwanted pets. We again urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill, to stop the puppy mill pipeline into New York State pet stores and help stem the number of unwanted dogs and cats in our community.
