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The state bill to ban live animal markets in New York is moving ahead. On May 5, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal & State Senator Luis Sepúlveda introduced legislation to shut down live animal markets. According to Social Compassion in Legislation, who worked with the legislators on the bill, the move will help prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases like the coronavirus.

The legislation would, “amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to prohibiting the operation of establishments where animals and/or fowls are slaughtered and butchered for food,” and “Prohibits the operation of establishments where animals and/or fowls are slaughtered or butchered for food.”

“In a matter of weeks, COVID-19 has ravaged New York and changed life for millions of New Yorkers,” said bill co sponsor Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal,  “As policymakers, we have a responsibility to respond to this crisis by doing everything in our power to prevent the next pandemic. Closing New York’s live animal markets, which operate in residential neighborhoods and do not adhere to even the most basic sanitary standards, until we determine whether they can be made safe, is a vital first step.”

“The Humane Society of New York applauds Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and State Senator Luis Sepúlveda for introducing legislation to close down live animal markets and to establish a task force of experts to study the impact these markets have on our health and the well-being of animals. Experts throughout the world have stated that the COVID-19 crisis is likely attributable to live animal markets. And the live animal markets right here in New York State have numerous and ongoing health, safety and welfare violations as documented in Department of Agriculture and Markets’ inspection reports. These reports depict an “industry” where unsanitary, unhealthful, and inhumane conditions abound. It is imperative that live animal markets in our state be immediately shut down,” said Elinor Molbegott, Esq., Legal Counsel for Animal Issues at the Humane Society of New York .

Read more about protecting yourself from coronavirus. Check the CDC website for more information on how to protect yourself and check our latest article to learn how COVID-19 differs from the flu.

Scientists believe that the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, started at an exotic animal market in Wuhan, China. You can help stop the incidence of viruses like these by signing this petition to ban the wildlife trade.

This is a good time to reconsider our intake of animal products to stay healthy. Eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

Interested in joining the dairy-free and meatless train? We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

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