Two dog breeders have filed separate lawsuits against the town of Riverhead, claiming its new law cracking down on puppy mills is too restrictive and would bankrupt them.

The plaintiffs are Sportsman’s Kennels in Manorville and Puppy Experience in Aquebogue, who have each filed complaints within a week of each other against the law Riverhead passed last month banning the sale of commercially farmed dogs, cats and rabbits. .

The law, which will come into effect in January, “would promote animal welfare and encourage best practices in breeding and purchasing dogs, cats and rabbits for retail sale in the town of Riverhead.” , indicates the law. Pets could only be adopted from animal shelters or non-profit rescues under the law.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, a puppy mill is defined as an “inhumane, large-volume dog breeding facility that produces puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of puppies and their mothers.”

Both lawsuits allege that city law violates New York State law regulating the commercial dog breeding industry. In the first case, a judge issued an order temporarily preventing the entry into force of the law.