BILL NUMBER: S6822A
SPONSOR: GIANARIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to prohibiting
certain contracts for the purchase or financing of a dog or cat from
including provisions allowing repossession of the animal
 
PURPOSE:
This bill will protect consumers from predatory pet leasing agreements
conducted online.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill amends § 753-e of the general business law.
Section two of the bill 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 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 predatory 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 collateral
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S9019-A (Gianaris) PASSED SENATE / A4058-B (Rosenthal L) advanced
to third reading
2023: A4058-A (Rosenthal L) reported, died in codes
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6822: 753-e general business law
S6822A: 753-e general business law