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Saving Shelter Pets

December 2, 2024
By Ellen Song

On December 15, a new law will go into effect in New York. It will ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores there. Instead, stores will be asked to team up with shelters to help animals get adopted. 

Seven other states, including California, Illinois, and Maryland, have similar laws. These laws are meant to help more shelter pets find homes.

Helping Animals

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

But the new law is aimed at breeders who run puppy or kitten mills. In mills, mother animals are confined to tiny, dirty cages. Animals in mills often have serious health problems. Laws like the one in New York can help take business away from mills. It can also help rescue pets in need. 

In 2023, about 6.5 million dogs and cats ended up in U.S. shelters and rescues. Some pets spend months in a shelter before being adopted. Many shelters are overcrowded.

Lindsay Hamrick works for the Humane Society of the United States. The group helps protect animals. Hamrick says pet lovers play a role in helping animals too.

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

1. What is the goal of the new law in New York and other laws like it?

2. According to the article, how are animals often treated at puppy or kitten mills?

3. Based on the article, what is the meaning of the word overcrowded?

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