What animals can be sold in pet stores in NY?

Late last week, the state of New York outlawed the selling of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores across the state. The bill was passed in an effort to reduce abusive breeding practices and the business owners that employ them.

New York follows other states, including California, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, and Washington, which have enacted similar rules.

The law will take effect in 2024, giving pet stores time to cut ties with breeders who will have to go through different channels to access the market.

What animals can still be bought?

The new rules are not to impact rodents like hamsters or guinea pigs, fish, and some birds.

What is the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act?

Another law to ban testing cosmetics on animals was passed, providing a big win for animal rights activists. The legislation is now headed to Governor Hochul’s desk for signing.

Companies found to be in violation of the law will be fined up to $5,000, but caps the fee levied against repeat violators at $1,000 per infraction recorded.

New York joins nine other states, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and Virginia, which have banned the testing of these products on animals. The Humane Cosmetics Act, n animal rights organization, has continued to organize for a federal ban on animal testing in the cosmetic sector, which it has yet to galvanize support on Capitol Hill. However, more than three hundred companies have signed a pact to end animal testing within their business operations. Many firms on the list would fall under the umbrella of “natural” beauty brands, with leaders in the industry like Loreal, Mac, Maybelline, Tarte, and others not appearing.

The list may serve as a tool for those looking to stick to brands that do not subject animals to testing, particularly as many steps out for last-minute shopping trips before Christmas.