Animal rights advocates weigh in on the Puppy Mill Pipeline bill

New York is closer to banning the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores. The New York State Legislature passed a bill last week, and it’s on the way to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill aims to stop the flow of cruelly bred puppies into New York.

The purpose behind the bill is to ensure that the animals that are sold to people are in good condition. Some animal rights advocates say animals that come from puppy mills are not always in good health.

Ron Perez is the President of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society. He says there are some reputable breeding facilities out there that breed for the integrity of the animal. However, he, like many other animal welfare advocates, believe many puppy mills breed a high number of animals without regard to health. He is in favor of the bill.

NewsChannel 13 also spoke to Sheila Goffe from the American Kennel Club. Her organization represents 217 dog clubs in New York. Goffe says their organization is not in favor of the bill. She says there is some confusion between puppy mills and licensed kennels. Goffe believes there are several reputable kennels out there.