New York state is banning the retail sale of pets starting next month. The law will go into effect Dec. 15 and applies to dogs, cats and rabbits. It will still be legal to adopt pets through humane societies,

The state Attorney General's Office is notifying businesses of the change, which carries penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.

New Yorkers may no longer be able to buy dogs and cats in pet shops starting next month. The New York City Council passed a bill on Thursday intended to crack down on puppy mills and so-called “backyard breeding” by prohibiting the sale of dogs and cats from retail stores as well as residential buildings,