WALLINGFORD, Connecticut — On December 15, 2024, a new rule started in New York that prohibits pet stores from selling cats, dogs, and rabbits.
Connecticut state Rep. Amy Morrin Bello says that the law has also impacted our state.
“With the new law that bans selling cats, dogs, and rabbits in pet shops, some of those businesses are starting to move to Connecticut,” said Bello.
Supporters of the law say that pet shops get animals from puppy mills, where the animals are raised in poor conditions. As a result, the animals often have health problems when they arrive at the pet store, which affects their quality of life. Bello knows this method very well.
“I bought my first dog as an adult from a pet shop. He was really cute, but he had health problems from the start,” said Bello. “Our vet thinks it might be due to his breeding.” He wasn’t raised correctly.
Using that firsthand experience, Bello is trying to protect consumers by passing a bill that would ban the sale of these animals in pet shops and stop the state from becoming a hub for pet stores selling these animals.
Bello said, “We want to reduce that, but still allow people to own pets.” “People can still find a breeder to get the designer dog or purebred dog they want.” We want to encourage people to choose adoption over buying.
People who oppose the bill say it could harm pet shops, especially small businesses, that depend on selling animals to survive. Nilsa Rivera, a customer at All Pets Club in Wallingford, prefers to buy her pet supplies from a known store.
“We enjoy visiting the pet shop to find a nice pet,” said Rivera. A pet shop is a trustworthy place. I would rather buy from a pet shop than go to someone’s house. “It’s safer in a pet store.”
Rivera bought her dog from a pet store and thinks it wouldn’t be ideal to go through a breeder.
“It’s simpler to go to a pet shop, talk to an employee, and have that part taken care of,” said Rivera. “I work six days a week, so I wouldn’t have time to do that, even if I wanted to.”
Bello thinks that pet stores can depend on selling other pet products if the bill passes.
“Bello said that getting an animal is a one-time purchase, but you need a place to buy supplies for that animal.” “I’m not trying to shut down businesses, just to stop them from selling cats, dogs, and rabbits.”
Bello says the bill has been accepted for drafting, and she hopes it will be heard in general law and then voted on by the House and Senate.
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