NYC Local Law 53 of 2015 and follow-on rules require any pet shop selling dogs, cats, or rabbits to obtain them from a public shelter or registered nonprofit rescue. New York State A-4283 (2022) extended a similar rule statewide, and DOHMH enforces both at the city level.
Local Law 53 of 2015 amended NYC Administrative Code Title 17 to bar pet shops from selling commercially bred dogs, cats, or rabbits and to require sourcing from city or state-registered shelters and rescues. Stores must keep documentation of each animal's origin and health record, post the source in writing at point of sale, and meet enhanced cage-size and ventilation rules under DOHMH inspection. New York State Chapter 470 of 2022 (A-4283) effective December 2024 banned retail sale of commercially bred dogs, cats, and rabbits statewide, mirroring NYC. Direct sales by hobby breeders to individual buyers remain permitted, but no commercial pet-mill pipeline through retail is allowed.
Selling commercially sourced dogs, cats, or rabbits is a misdemeanor under Local Law 53; civil penalties run several hundred to several thousand dollars per animal per day, plus possible suspension of the pet shop's DOHMH permit and city business license.
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