Updating the definition of “pet shop” within the animal abuse registration act.

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to updating the definition of “pet shop” within the animal abuse registration act.

This bill would change the definition of pet shop in the Animal Abuse Registration Act (AARA) to include pet shops that sell cats and dogs. The AARA mandates the establishment of an animal abuse registry listing persons 18 or older who reside in New York City that were convicted of animal abuse crimes. It requires pet shops to consult the registry before selling an animal to any prospective purchaser and prohibits the transfer of any animal to a person whose name appears on the registry.