New York Assembly Member and New Jersey Veterinarian Behind No Dogs, Cats or Rabbits Sold at Pet Stores

Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal

Following New York Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal’s support of that state being the first to ban declaw of cats, New York is now on its way to next state-wide ban sales of dogs, cats and rabbits at pet stores. Listen HERE to Rosenthal on WGN Radio explaining on Steve Dale’s Pet World her support of the bill she introduced, and the truth behind where these poor pet store animals are sourced. “We need to make a dent in the puppy mill to pet store pipeline,” she says. On July 11, the New York State Senate voted 48 to 12 to ban the sales of dogs, cats and rabbits at pet stores, with Rosenthal’s leadership, a vote on the Assembly floor next.

Rosenthal explains that what the other side says about so-called ‘lemon laws’ is simply not nearly enough: “We’re expecting people to return family members?”  Besides, how about the ethical issues of the support of puppy mills, only encouraging their survival if we continue to allow these pet store sales.

There’s zero evidence that banning pet store sales of dogs, cats and rabbits in California, Maryland and Maine has pushed more people to buy online as plenty already purchase online.  When the bill moves to the New York assembly, Rosenthal is optimistic it will pass but due to the pandemic that’s probably not until 2021. Governor Mario Cuomo has already indicated he likely would sign the bill.

New Jersey Also Looking at Banning Sales of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits at Pet Stores State Wide

Dr. Adam Christman

Dr. Adam Christman, chief veterinary officer at DVM 360/MJH Life Sciences (FETCH Veterinary Conferences) – an undisputed leader in veterinary medicine – has helped to lead the charge quite successfully in New Jersey for that state to ban sales of dogs, cats and rabbits at pet stores, which is in the process of happening now. He talks from personal experience about the horror of treating these poor pet store animals and dealing with their behavior problems. “We saw SO many sick puppies and kitties coming through,” he tells me here on WGN.

We talk about how some veterinary associations apparently still have their heads in the sand, opposing these bills – therefore seemingly supporting the puppy mills who supply these pet store animals. Of course, veterinarians and veterinary technicians have chosen the profession to help animals. Arguably most individuals feel differently than the associations who are supposed to represent them, which is why the non-profit  Veterinary Professionals Against Puppy Mills was formed and continues to grow ( click the link to check it out on Facebook).

And times are changing as associations are beginning to take a different perspective. Meanwhile, professional leaders in the profession, like Dr. Christman, are on the front lines to make a positive difference so these animals no longer are sold to pet stores.

Dr. Christman says he understands why people make these impulsive purchases and fall in love – best if these animals aren’t available in the first place.

Keeping Pets Safe in Hot Weather

Chicago veterinarian Dr. Derrick Landini agrees if you are hot outside, your dog is hotter. We talk about dogs doing their best to keep cool, and that’s far more a challenge for brachycephalic individuals or those with pushed-in faces and limited airways like Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus and so many others. We discuss how you can tell if a dog is potentially about to go into heat stroke. We also talk about prevention of heat stroke, which includes hydration.

Landini explains just how hot concrete, asphalt and sand can get.