After her recent press conference, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed bill (A.4283 of 2021-2022) banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores. She argues that it would devastate the local economy and result in significant job losses without a solution to the problem of“puppy mills”. Legislation aimed at curbing unlawful, unethical pet sourcing from “puppy mills” and unhealthy breeding practices is an overly broad measure that unfairly penalizes responsible pet store owners and employees who are critical to the community while fueling an underground black market where people will turn to find their companion animals.

During her press conference, Giglio argued that the well-intentioned bill does not account for the significant number of pet stores that already follow the strictest standards for sourcing their animals. New York State Agriculture and Markets licenses and highly regulates these businesses. Law-abiding pet stores work with licensed, reputable, humane breeders to ensure the health and well-being of the animals in their care.

“A blanket ban on pet sales,” Giglio argued, “will force these responsible pet stores out of business and put their employees out of work, creating an unnecessary burden on our community and economy while fueling puppy mills and a black market where roadside sales are already happening.”

Giglio reintroduced an alternative piece of legislation to amend the education law, the agriculture and markets law and the general business law (A.6560-A of 2021-2022). This bill takes a balanced approach to animal welfare by focusing on transparency, accountability and consumer protection. This bill requires veterinarians to disclose the cause of death for certain companion animals, authorizes inspections of pet dealers’ facilities following certain animal deaths, and mandates the Department of Agriculture and Markets develop a public rating system for pet dealers so consumers know the store's reputation. Additionally, the bill seeks to protect consumers by requiring pet dealers to reimburse them if an animal dies within six months of purchase.

“At first glance, the idea of preventing the sale of animals bred in inhumane conditions sounds like a step in the right direction, and for many of us who care deeply about animal welfare, it seems like a win. However, when we take a closer look at the unintended consequences of this ban, it becomes clear that it’s a complicated issue that risks doing more harm than good—especially when it comes to small businesses and, ironically, the very problem it aims to solve: puppy mills,” said Giglio. “Our local pet stores are integral to our community, providing jobs, education and support for responsible pet ownership. No one, least of all pet store owners, wants to see animals suffer unsanitary, overcrowded conditions. The proposed legislation (A.4283 of 2021-2022), unfortunately, takes a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t reflect the dedication many pet stores have to safe and humane practices. We need legislation like A.6560-A of 2021-2022 to address unlawful breeding practices without penalizing our hardworking small business owners and their employees.”