New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03073

Introduced
1/23/25  
Refer
1/23/25  
Engrossed
6/11/25  

Caption

Establishes a civil remedy for the protection of animals denied proper care by creating a special proceeding in the supreme court that will hold owners and caretakers liable if such animals under their care are mistreated.

Impact

If enacted, S03073 will amend the Agriculture and Markets Law in New York, specifically creating a new article that lays out the procedures for ensuring the protection of companion animals. This includes definitions related to the mistreatment of animals, emergency provisions for inspections, and the establishment of animal care hearings that could lead to court orders for the care or forfeiture of animals found to be neglected. The law aims to balance animal welfare with the rights of pet owners, providing a structured and legal framework for intervention.

Summary

Bill S03073, also known as the Civil Remedy for the Protection of Companion Animals, seeks to establish legal provisions that allow courts to intervene in cases where companion animals are mistreated or denied proper care. The bill proposes the creation of a special court process that would enable authorized agents to notify pet owners about their obligation to provide adequate care to their animals, and in severe cases, removes animals from their current custody to ensure their welfare.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on enhancing animal protection, there are notable points of contention regarding the enforcement mechanisms. Critics may express concerns over the rights of pet owners, particularly regarding the potential for the misuse of emergency powers. Provisions that allow the immediate removal of a pet without prior notice to the owner might be viewed as excessive or infringing upon personal property rights. Additionally, the bill outlines financial responsibilities for the costs of care during hearings, which may raise concerns for owners unable to afford such expenses.

Companion Bills

NY A02555

Same As Establishes a civil remedy for the protection of animals denied proper care by creating a special proceeding in the supreme court that will hold owners and caretakers liable if such animals under their care are mistreated.

Previously Filed As

NY S08543

Establishes a civil remedy for the protection of animals denied proper care by creating a special proceeding in the supreme court that will hold owners and caretakers liable if such animals under their care are mistreated.

NY A09215

Establishes a civil remedy for the protection of animals denied proper care by creating a special proceeding in the supreme court that will hold owners and caretakers liable if such animals under their care are mistreated.

NY S06211

Provides that "wild animal" means indigenous, non-domesticated animals native to the country in which they live and "exotic animal" means a wild animal with an origin of a different continent; adds certain wild or exotic animals to the list of non-companion animals; provides certain owners of wild or exotic animals with a license process.

NY A06836

Provides that "wild animal" means indigenous, non-domesticated animals native to the country in which they live and "exotic animal" means a wild animal with an origin of a different continent; adds certain wild or exotic animals to the list of non-companion animals; provides certain owners of wild or exotic animals with a license process.

NY A00269

Allows a court to determine legal ownership of a companion animal, taking into consideration the well-being of the companion animal, during proceedings for dissolution of marriage, legal separation and proceedings commenced by individuals who have both resided with the companion animal.

NY A02881

Relates to the inspection of property that has been vacated for abandoned animals; requires property owners and lessors to inspect such property within three days and to immediately notify the appropriate authorities when such person finds an animal which appears to be abandoned.

NY S06365

Relates to the inspection of property that has been vacated for abandoned animals; requires property owners and lessors to inspect such property within three days and to immediately notify the appropriate authorities when such person finds an animal which appears to be abandoned.

NY A00041

Establishes that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and fear and establishes an animal can be a victim of a crime.

NY S02407

Establishes the farm ownership succession planning program to provide farm owners with a succession planning toolkit that can be used by such farm owners who plan on selling or closing their farm.

NY A07457

Establishes the farm ownership succession planning program to provide farm owners with a succession planning toolkit that can be used by such farm owners who plan on selling or closing their farm.

Similar Bills

NY A02555

Establishes a civil remedy for the protection of animals denied proper care by creating a special proceeding in the supreme court that will hold owners and caretakers liable if such animals under their care are mistreated.

AZ HB2372

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AZ SB1048

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AZ HB2324

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CT HB06767

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AZ SB1234

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AZ SB1057

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AZ SB1198

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