Monday, January 20, 2025
Shake A Paw, a pet store chain with locations in Lynbrook and Hicksville, will close after clearing out its products, following years of controversy over its sales of reportedly sick puppies and the enactment of New York’s new Puppy Mill Pipeline Law Act.
The law, which prohibits pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits, aims to address the problem of animals coming from so-called puppy mills. It took effect on Dec. 15.
The closure of Shake A Paw, however, comes amid growing opposition from other pet store owners to the new law.
In late November, four pet store owners on Long Island filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court, challenging the legislation. The plaintiffs argued that it is an unjust infringement of their due-process rights under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
The lawsuit claims that the ban on pet sales lacks a “rational means” to achieve a “legitimate legislative purpose,” without evidence that it will improve animal welfare or consumer protection.
“Pet stores already abide by the strictest standards for sourcing their animals.” the complaint states. “A blanket ban on pet sales will force these responsible pet stores out of business and put their employees out of work, creating an unnecessary burden on our community and economy while fueling a black market where roadside sales are already happening.”
Jonathan Gill, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, pointed to a similar law in California, which took effect in 2019, contending that it failed to end the sale of dogs by puppy mills — commercial breeding operations — and instead drove the market underground.
The ASPCA, which played a key role in lobbying for the New York law, defends the measure as a necessary step to combat the inhumane conditions in which many animals are bred. Bill Ketzer, the ASPCA’s senior director of state legislation, emphasized that the law will protect consumers from dishonest retailers and prevent the sale of animals by puppy mills.
“Pet stores often advertise that their animals are ‘top quality’ and come from ‘responsible breeders,’ but the sad reality is that these dogs are trucked in from out-of-state commercial breeding facilities, also known as puppy mills,” Ketzer said.
Ketzer noted that the law also encourages consumers to adopt animals from shelters or rescue organizations, which can help address the increasing number of animals in need of homes. The ASPCA hopes that the law will shift the focus from purchasing pets at retail stores to adopting them, thus reducing demand for animals bred in harmful conditions.
“New York’s Puppy Mill Pipeline Law is a historic win for animals, consumers, and communities,” Ketzer added. “Pet stores have had two years to adapt to this change, and those that have chosen not to comply can transition to a business model based on services, grooming, or partnerships with animal shelters.”
Some Lynbrook residents also expressed support for the measure. Azi Ali adopted his dog, Ginger, from North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington. Ali, who has allergies, sought out a hypoallergenic breed. The shelter matched him with Ginger, a terrier that had been rescued from a puppy mill. Ali said that when she arrived, she was unable to walk due to the conditions she had endured, but over time her health and spirits improved.
“Now she runs like crazy,” Ali said.
Quincy Brent, of Lynbrook, adopted a Scottish terrier — or more accurately, his family adopted it for him. He said that when he came home from work, he found Bailey, his new dog, waiting for him. Although she was a surprise, he needed her, he said — and Bailey apparently needed him. She didn’t eat for days until he arrived, and then she started warming up to the household.
Brent said he sometimes takes Bailey on drives, and if he sees Ali and Ginger while he’s running errands, he’ll roll down the window so the dogs can exchange greetings, too.
“They're pretty cool with each other — they actually look forward to seeing each other,” Brent said.
Ali said he believes adoption is “the way to go.”
Shake A Paw’s closure will follow a recent settlement filed by New York Attorney General Letitia Jamws.
Last March, the office announced that the store chain would pay $300,000 in restitution to roughly 190 customers who had unknowingly purchased sick puppies. Some of the puppies sold by Shake A Paw died within days or weeks of purchase due to serious health conditions. The stores also faced allegations of keeping animals in inhumane conditions and falsely advertising the health of its animals.
Shake A Paw declined a request for comment.
