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Saving Shelter Pets

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

November 18, 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 loving homes. Starting in December, pet stores in the state will no longer be allowed to sell dogs, cats, or rabbits. Instead, the law encourages pet shops to host adoption events with animal shelters. 

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, which 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, an organization that’s dedicated to protecting animals.

Pet Protection

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The dogs and cats you see in pet shop windows are often raised by breeders who sell them 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 what are known as puppy or kitten mills. In mills, mother animals are confined to tiny, dirty cages. Puppies and kittens born in mills might not be given proper medical care. They often have serious health problems. 

“Folks might not be aware that many animals at pet stores are coming from places they would not approve of,” says Hamrick. 

She 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.”

3.2 million dogs ended up in animal shelters and rescues in the U.S. last year.

Source: Shelter Animals Count

Crowded Shelters

Animals end up in shelters for many reasons. Some were born on the streets. Others got lost or were abandoned or surrendered 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. About one in five U.S. households adopted a pet during this time, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. 

But 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 alone, 6.5 million dogs and cats ended up in shelters and rescues in the U.S.

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

The New York law, and others like it, can play a large part in helping animals find a forever home. But in the end, Hamrick says, it’s up to pet lovers to decide where their next furry friend comes from.

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

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

Source: Shelter Animals Count

Roman to the Rescue

Courtesy of family

Roman McConn has eight dogs: six mixed-breed pooches and two Shih Tzus. Over the past nine years, the dog lover 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 his local shelter instead of presents. He raised more than $200. To help dogs at local shelters get adopted, Roman started making videos with them, which his mom posted on social media. In the videos, Roman described each dog’s personality and why it would make a great pet. 

In December 2016, Roman’s family started Project Freedom Ride. The organization transports dogs from overcrowded shelters in southern states to shelters up north with more space. 

Project Freedom Ride also matches dogs with owners. People from around the country submit applications, hoping to find the right pet for them. Roman’s family has also fostered more than 50 dogs over the years. That means they give the pups a temporary home while the animals wait to be adopted. Roman has no plans to stop his work anytime soon. 

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

Pictured above: Roman poses with a shelter dog named Peach.

1. How does the author support the idea that some breeders treat animals cruelly?

2. According to the article, what are some of the 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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