. New York’s new law banning pet stores from selling dogs, cats, and rabbits represents a bold step toward tackling the inhumane conditions in commercial breeding facilities, or “puppy mills.” The law, which took effect Sunday, was signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022 and aims to end the “puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline” that floods New York stores with animals bred in cruel conditions. The law’s impact on pet stores is immediate and severe. For many, the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits has been a major revenue stream. Now, these stores face a significant financial hit, with some, like Citipups in Chelsea, already announcing the closure of their physical locations. While the precise economic toll statewide remains uncertain, the potential fines and lost sales are expected to be substantial.