New York has banned all sales of dogs, cats and rabbits in retail stores in a bid to stop "abusive breeders".
Shoppers in the US city will no longer be allowed to look for a new pet through a shop window after Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law on Thursday which bans the sale of pets.
She said it was designed to "end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline and stop abusive breeders."
The governor said in a statement: "Dogs, cats and rabbits across New York deserve loving homes and humane treatment.
"I'm proud to sign this legislation, which will make meaningful steps to cut down on harsh treatment and protect the welfare of animals across the state."
The move has been welcomed by animal rescue groups who have supported the bill while pet stores believe it will put them out of business.
According to shop owners, there are some businesses which will be be forced to close as a result of the new legislation.
Lisa Caiazzo, co-owner of Petite Pets Puppy Boutique for the last 30 years, told Fox 5: "I don't know if I have the words of what to say if we really had to shut our doors."
She said her store is different to most others as she doesn't keep her dogs in cages and only works with the best breeders.
Caiazzo also will only sell puppies to families who are well-suited as they sleep in cribs.
She added: "We're like a diamond. We're a whole different place compared to everyone else.
"I welcome anybody to come in here — the Assembly can walk in, Hochul can walk in, it doesn't matter. If she signs the bill, and it means all of us, what do you do?"
John Di Leonardo, from the Humane Long Island president, believes the bill, which doesn't take place until 2024, should encourage shoppers to adopt.
He said: "Thousands of pet stores have already evolved to work strictly with rescues and this legislation will put New York in line to do the same.
"If you're a pet store in New York state and you're telling consumers you're not getting puppy mills, you're lying."
The bill, however, will allow pet stores to charge rent to animal shelter groups for the use of their retail space.
However, according to Caiazzo, the rent from animal group adoptions wouldn't be enough to keep her business open as dogs amount to 90% of the store's income.
She said: "I think it's beyond unfair, especially for a pet store like us who has never had a violation."
Once the bill is introduced penalties of up to $1,000 (£820) could be imposed on business owners who refuse to comply.
