Following public hearings and a unanimous voteby Suffolk County legislators, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone signed the Suffolk County Pet Dealer Bill (1047-2014) into law on Tuesday, June 17.
Suffolk is now the first municipality to regulate the sale of pets under a New York State law that gave such authority in January 2014. The law, which takes aim at stopping the sale of puppy mill dogs, was proposed by Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) and Legislator William Spencer (D-Huntington). The New York State law was sponsored by State Senator Ken LaValle (R-1st Senate District). Similar legislation has been enacted in over 40 cities in the U.S., including Los Angeles, Chicago, and Phoenix.
“Help is on the way for puppy mill pets. We are grateful for County Executive Steve Bellone’s support and leadership on this issue, and the passage of this bill tells puppy mill industry that the writing’s on the wall. We’re encouraged by the support of the entire Suffolk County Legislature and the people of Long Island,” said Pamela Green, Executive Director of Kent Animal Shelter who served on Legislator Schneiderman’s subcommittee on the bill along with representatives from the ASPCA, the US Humane Society, and key local animal advocates.
The law:
– Prohibits pet stores or dealers from selling pets originating from breeders who have received violations from recent inspections conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
– Requires pet stores and pet dealers to provide information on the background of a pet upon request by a consumer, including the pet’s origin, USDA records, and other supplemental documentation.
– Requires that animals are sold in Suffolk County at or after 8 weeks of age.
– Be enforced by the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs.
– Require that any pet store or dealer who violates the law be fined $500 per violation.
Kent Animal Shelter is a 501(C)3 not-for-profit organization that was established in 1968 as a no-kill haven for abandoned, neglected or abused animals. More information about Kent Animal Shelter is available at http://www.kentanimalshelter.com.
Source: Press release issued by Kent Animal Shelter, June 19.
