N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 17-1605: § 17-1605 Prohibition of transfers of animals to animal abusers.

a. Prior to the exchange or transfer of ownership of any animal in the care of an authorized entity operating in the city of New York, an employee or volunteer of such entity shall consult the animal abuse registry to determine whether the person seeking ownership of such animal is listed on the animal abuse registry.

b. No entity required to consult the animal abuse registry shall exchange or transfer the ownership of any animal to any person listed on the animal abuse registry.

c. A pet shop that allows an animal shelter or animal rescue group to use such pet shop's premises for the purpose of making animals available for adoption shall be exempt from the requirements of subdivisions a and b of this section with respect to such animals, provided such pet shop does not have an ownership interest in any of the animals that are made available for adoption.