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Saving Shelter Pets

New York is the latest state to ban the sale of dogs and cats at pet shops. 

December 2, 2024
By Ellen Song

As You Read, Think About: How might laws like the one in New York help animals in shelters?

A new law could help shelter pets in New York find forever homes. Starting December 15, pet stores in the state will no longer be allowed to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits. Instead, the law encourages pet shops to team up with shelters to host adoption events. 

Seven other states, including California, Illinois, and Maryland, also have laws that restrict pet shops from selling certain animals. More than 475 towns and cities across the U.S. have similar laws. These laws are often meant to help more shelter pets find homes.

“There are not enough adoptions happening at shelters and rescues,” says Lindsay Hamrick. She works at the Humane Society of the United States. The organization helps protect animals. 

A new law could help shelter pets in New York find homes. Starting December 15, pet stores in the state won’t be allowed to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits. Instead, the law pushes them to team up with animal shelters. Together, they’ll host adoption events. 

Seven other states have laws that restrict pet shops from selling certain animals. These include California, Illinois, and Maryland. More than 475 towns and cities in the U.S. have similar laws. These laws try to help more shelter pets find homes.

“There are not enough adoptions happening at shelters and rescues,” says Lindsay Hamrick. She works at the Humane Society of the United States. The group helps protect animals.

Pet Protection

The puppies and kittens found in pet shops are often raised by breeders. These people sell the animals to the stores. Many breeders take good care of the animals.

But the new law is aimed at breeders who treat animals cruelly. They operate puppy or kitten mills. In mills, mother animals are confined to tiny, dirty cages. Animals born in mills might not be given proper medical care. They often have serious health problems. 

Hamrick explains that laws like the one in New York can have two big benefits.

“When people rescue a dog from a local shelter, they’re not only helping that animal,” Hamrick says. “They’re also taking away business from a puppy mill.”

The puppies and kittens at pet shops are often raised by breeders. Breeders sell the animals to the stores. Many take good care of the animals. 

But the new law addresses breeders who treat animals badly. They operate puppy or kitten mills. In mills, mother animals are confined to tiny, dirty cages. Animals born in mills often have serious health issues. 

Laws like the one in New York can have two big benefits. 

“When people rescue a dog from a local shelter, they’re not only helping that animal,” Hamrick says. “They’re also taking away business from a puppy mill.”

2.6 million cats and 2.2 million dogs were adopted from U.S. shelters and rescues in 2023.

Source: Shelter Animals Count

Source: Shelter Animals Count

Shutterstock.com

Crowded Shelters

Animals end up in shelters for many reasons. Some were born on the streets. Others got lost, were abandoned, or were given up by their owners.

Pet adoptions from shelters rose during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people were home more often and had more time to spend with pets.

Today animals aren’t getting adopted as quickly as they were a couple of years ago. That has led to overcrowding at shelters, which have limited space. In 2023, 6.5 million dogs and cats ended up in shelters and rescues in the U.S.

Some pets spend months in a shelter before being adopted. Animals that remain in shelters for a long time may be put to sleep. Last year, nearly 700,000 cats and dogs were put down in shelters.

The New York law, and others like it, can play a big part in helping animals find homes. But Hamrick says pet lovers can help too.

“Kids have so much power in helping their families select their next pet,” says Hamrick.

Animals end up in shelters for many reasons. Some were born on the streets. Others got lost or were given up by their owners. 

Pet adoptions from shelters rose during the Covid-19 pandemic. Many people were home more often. They had more time for pets.  

Animals aren’t getting adopted as quickly today. Shelters have become too crowded as a result. In 2023, 6.5 million dogs and cats ended up in shelters and rescues in the U.S. 

Some pets spend months in a shelter before being adopted. Animals that stay in shelters for a long time may be put to sleep. Last year, nearly 700,000 shelter cats and dogs were put down.  

The New York law, and others like it, are important. They can play a big part in helping shelter animals. But Hamrick says pet lovers can help too.

“Kids have so much power in helping their families select their next pet,” says Hamrick.

Roman to the Rescue

Roman McConn has eight dogs. But over the past nine years, he has helped rescue more than 5,000 others! 

When Roman was 3, he found out that many shelter dogs that don’t get adopted are put to sleep. 

“I just decided we should go fix that,” says Roman, who’s now 13.

For his fourth birthday, he asked for donations to a local shelter instead of presents. He raised more than $200. To help dogs at shelters get adopted, Roman started making videos with them. He described why each dog would make a great pet. His mom posted the videos on social media. 

In December 2016, Roman’s family started Project Freedom Ride. The group transports dogs from crowded shelters to shelters with more space. Project Freedom Ride also matches dogs with owners. And Roman’s family has fostered more than 50 dogs over the years. They give pups a temporary home while they wait to be adopted.   

“It makes me feel really good to help these dogs get to where they were meant to be,” Roman says.

Roman McConn has eight dogs. But over the past nine years, he has helped rescue more than 5,000 others! 

When Roman was 3, he found out that many shelter dogs that don’t get adopted are put to sleep. 

“I just decided we should go fix that,” says Roman, who’s now 13.

For his fourth birthday, he asked for donations to a local shelter instead of presents. He raised more than $200. To help dogs at shelters get adopted, Roman started making videos with them. He described why each dog would make a great pet. His mom posted the videos on social media. 

In December 2016, Roman’s family started Project Freedom Ride. The group transports dogs from crowded shelters to shelters with more space. Project Freedom Ride also matches dogs with owners. And Roman’s family has fostered more than 50 dogs over the years. They give pups a temporary home while they wait to be adopted.   

“It makes me feel really good to help these dogs get to where they were meant to be,” Roman says.

Courtesy of family

Roman poses with a shelter dog named Peach.

1. What does the author mean when she writes that some breeders treat animals cruelly?

2. According to the article, what are some reasons animals end up in shelters?

3. Based on the sidebar, “Roman to the Rescue,” what are two ways that Project Freedom Ride helps shelter dogs get adopted?

1. What does the author mean when she writes that some breeders treat animals cruelly?

2. According to the article, what are some reasons animals end up in shelters?

3. Based on the sidebar, “Roman to the Rescue,” what are two ways that Project Freedom Ride helps shelter dogs get adopted?

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