BILL NUMBER: S9019A
SPONSOR: GIANARIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting
contracts for the purchase or financing of a dog, cat, or rabbit from
including provisions allowing repossession of the animal
 
PURPOSE:
This bill will protect consumers from predatory lease agreements offered
to for the purchasing of pets online.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends section 753-e of the general business law.
Section two sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In 2018, New York State enacted a law to prohibit the leasing of dogs
and cats sold in pet stores. These agreements, sometimes referred to as
payment plans, are signed by consumers who have fallen in love with a
puppy or kitten at the pet store, often not realizing that they are
entering into a lease agreement and the pet could be repossessed. Unlike
homes or automobiles, pets are sentient beings that should not be treat-
ed as collateral.
In recent years, more retailers have begun to sell pets online, where
consumers choose a pet based on the online photos and complete the
purchase by paying in full upfront or through a lease agreement. New
York State has already taken steps to protect consumers from the preda-
tory leasing of pets sold in stores, but we must convey similar
protections for those who purchase a pet online. This legislation will
prohibit online pet retailers from using an animal as a form of collat-
eral and add rabbits to the animals included in current law that may not
be used for collateral.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S9019: 753-e general business law
S9019A: 753-e general business law