Puppy mills and dogfighting rings targeted by New York's attorney general
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New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has announced an animal protection initiative aimed at dogfighting rings and puppy mills.
Schneiderman plans to monitor whether pet stores are complying with laws that require them to disclose the source of their animals and the history of their veterinary treatment, the New York Times and the Buffalo News report. A state “pet lemon law” also gives consumers who buy dogs or cats that are ill the right to a refund, exchange or reimbursement for vet costs.
Schneiderman said his office would monitor whether the pet stores are disclosing when their animals are coming from puppy mills. He also hopes to shut down dogfighting rings, a crime often linked to gang activity, gambling and illegal drugs.
“Fighting animal cruelty is both a consumer protection issue and a public safety issue,” Schneiderman said.
