ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Pet stores in New York state would be prohibited from buying dogs or cats from puppy mills and other large commercial breeding facilities under a new proposal in the state Legislature.
The legislation sponsored by Democratic Sen. Michael Gianaris of Queens would require pet stores to get their animals from licensed rescue shelters or human societies. It also would ensure that rescue organizations retain ownership of the animal if it is not adopted.
The legislation being announced Thursday is modeled after a similar law in California. Gianaris says his intention is to find good homes for rescue animals while discouraging large commercial breeding operations that have been linked to animal mistreatment.
He predicts bipartisan support for the measure, which hasn't been scheduled for a vote.