ASPCA seeks public’s help with legislation to help end puppy mills

(WBNG) -- On Tuesday at 7 p.m., The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will join the Humane Society of the United States, the New York State Animal Protection Federation, Voters for Animal Rights, Companion Animal Protection Society and the Animal Legal Defense Fund for a webinar on the N.Y. Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill.

Anyone is invited to join to learn how you can help pass legislation to shut down the puppy mill pipeline into New York State in 2022.

According to the ASPCA, out-of-state puppy mills ship their puppies to New York pet stores, where they are marketed as healthy puppies from responsible breeders.

Puppy mills make money by breeding dogs over and over again in cruel conditions, selling large numbers of puppies to pet stores.

This system is possible because in New York State, it’s still legal to sell cruelly bred dogs and cats in pet stores.

The Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill will end the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops, making it harder for puppy mills to profit in New York.

The ASPCA is suggesting signing and sending in a form to send to your state legislators or assembly members politely asking for their support.

12 News reached out to Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo who said their office receives around one hundred calls and emails from residents a month and how lobbying is important.

Lupardo also explained how the issue isn’t solving the problem as much as creating other problems in the process.

“There are probably about 70 independent pet stores left in the state, and we want to just make sure that we aren’t hurting any business that is selling from legitimate breeders because there are many good dog breeders in the state of New York,” said Lupardo.

Lupardo says they are working on increasing inspections in pet stores and are collaborating with federal partners to get a handle on this issue so people can purchase healthy pets.

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