Pet Advocacy Network Urges New York City Council to Reject Pet Store Guinea Pig Sales Ban
Statement from Pet Advocacy Network President and CEO Mike Bober:
“The responsible pet care community calls on the New York City Council to reject Int. No. 4, a proposed ordinance to ban the sale of guinea pigs in pet stores. This ban is a delayed and unnecessary reaction to an increase in guinea pig intakes by shelters towards the latter stages of the pandemic in 2021, which data shows was temporary and successfully addressed with a corresponding increase in adoptions.
It is important that prospective pet owners have pet stores to turn to as the only transparent, regulated and inspected source for guinea pigs. Pet stores are required by law to work only with USDA-licensed breeders and to give the animals regular veterinary check-ups—safeguards that protect both the animals and the families who bring them home. Without pet stores, prospective guinea pig owners would have to go to unregulated sources such as online marketplaces or word-of-mouth sellers where the animal’s source and health history is unknown.
As a reasonable alternative to this misguided legislation, we urge shelters to form partnerships with pet stores to help rehome small animals such as guinea pigs when the need arises.”
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About Pet Advocacy Network
The Pet Advocacy Network connects the experience and expertise of the responsible pet care community to lawmakers and governing bodies, advocating for legislative and regulatory priorities at the local, state, federal and international levels. Since 1971, the organization has worked to promote animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, foster environmental stewardship, and ensure access to healthy pets, including small animals, cats, dogs, fish, reptiles and birds. Pet Advocacy Network members include retailers, companion animal suppliers, manufacturers, wholesale distributors, manufacturers’ representatives, pet hobbyists, and other trade organizations.
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