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L.I. Pet Shop Owners Fear New Rules Would Put Them Out Of Business

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Some pet shop owners on Long Island fear tough new proposed regulations will put them out of business.

The regulations would require pet shops in the Town of Hempstead to spay and neuter pets before they can be sold and mandate each shop have at least 100 feet per animal, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.

L.I. Pet Shop Owners Fear New Proposed Regulations Would Put Them Out Of Business

The tougher regulations would also require shop owners to only purchase from breeders approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Following two hours of emotional testimony at a meeting Tuesday night, the town board elected to postpone its vote on the measure, Xirinachs reported.

Pet store owners said the regulations are designed to put them out of business.

"I don't think it's even disputed by its backers that the bill would cause mom and pop pet stores in the Town of Hempstead to shut their doors," attorney Chris Brown, who represents the business owners, told Xirinachs.

But animal welfare activists say the bill would protect consumers, animals and reduce the number of pets dumped at shelters.

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