Laws for Paws e-Newsletter
June 2022
NEW YORK LEGISLATURE BANS THE SALE OF DOGS IN PET STORES
Will Help Curb the Flow of Puppy Mill Dogs from Missouri

This month, the New York State Legislature passed the Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill that will end the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in New York pet stores. The bill now heads to the desk of the Governor. If signed into law, this legislation will stop the flow of cruelly bred puppies into New York, many of whom originate from Missouri puppy mills.

According to the bill’s sponsor, Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, “Puppy mills breed cruelty. Banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in New York pet stores will deal the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline a near-mortal blow.”
Rosenthal added, “The cute puppies, kittens, and bunnies in pet store windows mask a sad reality: these animals are products of horrific neglect in puppy mills. Puppy, kitty, and bunny mills use and abuse animals to churn out pets for sale, which are often riddled with congenital diseases, that cost unsuspecting consumers hundreds or thousands of dollars in veterinary bills and incalculable emotional stress.”

If signed into law by the Governor, New York will become the sixth state in the country to prohibit the sale of dogs in pet stores. Several other states are considering similar legislation in addition to the 300-plus municipalities across the country that already ban the sale of dogs in pet stores. Hopefully, such legislation will curtail the breeding of dogs in cruel puppy mills here in Missouri. 
Safer Together Returns!
Last October the Alliance partnered with the Humane Society of Missouri to provide a seminar on the connection between the abuse of animals, children, elders, and vulnerable adults. When citizens are more aware of this connection, and who to report abuse to, we have a safer society for all.

Due to the popularity of the training in St. Louis, we are thrilled to be bringing the seminar to Kansas City and partnering with Wayside Waifs. Audience members will be learning from survivors of child abuse and domestic violence, a forensic veterinarian, Missouri's Children's Division, Missouri Animal Control Association, a domestic violence shelter that co-shelters pets, and many more. When the training concludes, attendees will have a better idea of how to identify animal and child abuse, the connection between animal and human abuse, and what they can do when they suspect violence in a home.

This will be a compelling, fast-paced, and intensive seminar. It is free and has been approved by NASW for 6.5 units.
Petland is Coming to Fenton

Petland is a chain store that has developed a reputation for selling sick puppies from puppy mills, consumer fraud, and predatory lending. As soon as the Alliance became aware of Petland's plans to open a store in Fenton, we began acting. The Alliance testified at the Fenton Board of Alderman meeting and submitted testimony making the case that Petland has no home in this community. Unfortunately, due to Petland's quiet seeking of the permit, the 30 days to appeal the decision had already lapsed before we were able to make our case in front of the Board of Adjustment.

Therefore, the Alliance is eager to turn lemons into lemonade, and use this as an opportunity to launch an education campaign and teach residents in the region about Petland and puppy mills.
Aislinn, an Alliance staffer at a Petland protest.
Peaceful demonstrations are an excellent way to educate the public about critical issues. There will be another protest organized by Dogs Uncaged on July 9th from 12-2pm. You can learn more here.
We Prevailed.
Every legislative session has its own unique challenges and 2022 was no different. However, this year we experienced a new level of animosity from those invested in putting profits over the welfare of the animals. This did not deter us, but we continued in our resolve to defeat every bad piece of animal legislation that was filed - and we prevailed.

We saved the disposition process, so animals will not have to languish with their abusers until the conclusion of a criminal trial. We preserved the autonomy of local governments to regulate veterinary practices, allowing municipalities to ban cruel practices. We ensured continued funding of programs to regulate puppy millers and hold them accountable. We could not have accomplished this without the dedication of Alliance supporters. Read the entire end of session report here.
Congrats to Cici, our 2022 Face of the Alliance!
Remember the Alliance in Your Estate Planning
Leaving money to the Alliance through your will or trust is a profound way to create a legacy of compassion and ensure positive change for animals. An even easier way is to name the Alliance as the beneficiary of an IRA or other retirement plan. In any event, we are grateful to be considered as a beneficiary of your overall estate plans. Want to learn more? Email us!
HELPING ANIMALS!

If you find yourself in a situation where you question the treatment of an animal, or the conditions, or maybe you're wondering about helping wildlife or assisting in a rescue, or you have witnessed something that needs to be reported - go to our website because chances are you will find a number and/or a link that can help address it.
A Great Way to Support the Alliance
With so many people shopping online these days, you can now support the Alliance each time you make a purchase on Amazon. Click here or on the icon. Once you've identified "Missouri Alliance for Animals" as your charitable organization of choice, a portion of your purchase will be donated by Amazon to the Alliance each time you shop on Amazon! What a great way to contribute!