Maya Limon, co-founder of the advocacy group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) says that the ban may prevent the people who are already abused from getting their hands on baby rabbits; animals who have been abandoned by birth parents because of severe cruelty.

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“If you are not allowed to take a rabbit, you are saying that this is an acceptable practice and you could possibly be a puppy mill owner,” she said, “because you can get away with the killing of some animals by a few rabbits.”

In addition, the law could make many legal breeders pay extra fees to cover the costs of state licenses.

According to Limon, the ban is a gross violation of animal rights.

“In the worst case, you could be doing animals a real disservice by creating a situation where every person who is not involved with a commercial breeders can potentially have children who are injured or killed.”

Animal rights groups have already been protesting the new bill in Philadelphia, calling on the city government to repeal or revise the law. Many opponents of the law are asking for the city to use the money collected for licensing to improve animal welfare programs, not to fund puppy mills.

“[The new law] is a complete disgrace,” said PETA co-founder Ingrid Newkirk. “It’s a slap in the face to countless little animals suffering horrific abuse and neglect.”

Watch footage captured by PETA and animal rights activists during a demonstration in Philadelphia on Tuesday, March 30, below:

Video by John Aravosis and PETA.

[Image by PETA]