Gov. Cuomo Signs Law Authorizing Tighter Regulations On Local Pet Dealers
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed a new law authorizing municipalities across the state to set tighter regulations on pet dealers.
According to the governor's office, local ordinances must be at least as stringent as state law and must not result in banning sales of dogs and cats raised safely.
Gov. Cuomo Signs Law Authorizing Tighter Regulations On Local Pet Dealers
Enforcement will be up to the town, village, city or county that enacts the more restrictive measure.
The state Department of Agriculture and Markets will still enforce state laws for animal care by dealers.
The ASPCA says the effect is to repeal provisions in state law that prevented local governments from regulating pet dealers and shops.
Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross spoke with WCBS 880's Sophia Hall about rescuing dogs from a puppy mill.
"I recall they had 140 Pomeranians in the basement living in their own excrement and filth," he said.
Gross said that the new legislation will give local governments the ability to strengthen laws to crack down on illegal pet dealers.
"It's like raising, to them it's raising a crop. They're not looking at it as an animal with feelings," Gross said.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
