A bill being is being debated in Albany Thursday evening that may make selling dogs, cats and rabbits at pet stores against the law.

The state Senate already has passed the bill, which would only allow pet stores to adopt animals - essentially stopping the sale of animals from breeders and so-called puppy mills.

The Assembly is currently debating the bill.

A coalition of pet stores tells News 12 in a statement that the bill will hurt their business and will drive sales underground.

Animal rights advocates disagree, saying the bill will not drive pet stores out of business or increase illegal sales. 

They argue that limiting sales of animals to only adoptions will increase pet safety and lower the number of sick animals from disreputable breeders.

The bill would still allow sales of animals directly from breeders, so families could see where and how animals are raised before taking them home.

Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo supports the bill, but is concerned it only targets retail stores and doesn't go after the puppy mills themselves.

"Our pet stores will be put at a disadvantage with respect to sales, but I think in the overall balance of things, makes sense to ultimately start a trend to eliminate the puppy mill mentality," he says.