New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07950

Introduced
4/16/25  

Caption

Provides that the penalty for the abandonment of animals is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

Impact

The intended impact of A07950 is to strengthen laws that enforce the welfare of animals, potentially leading to a decline in cases of abandonment. By categorizing abandonment as a misdemeanor with specific penalties, the bill aims to deter individuals from neglecting or abandoning animals. This could result in benefits for local shelters and animal control agencies that deal with the aftermath of animal abandonment and could foster a more responsible pet ownership culture among residents.

Summary

Assembly Bill A07950 seeks to amend the agriculture and markets law regarding the abandonment of animals. This amendment stipulates that a person who abandons an animal, or leaves it to die in a public place, will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The proposed penalty for such actions would include imprisonment for up to one year and/or a monetary fine ranging from five hundred to one thousand dollars. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to enhancing the protections of animals in New York State.

Contention

While the bill focuses on protecting animal welfare, it may also spark discussions regarding its enforcement and practicality. Some stakeholders may question the adequacy of the proposed penalties as insufficient deterrents against abandonment, whereas others may argue that it complicates the legal framework surrounding animal welfare. Additionally, concerns about the implementation of such laws and their effects on low-income pet owners might emerge, prompting a dialogue about the responsibilities of ownership versus social support systems.

Notable_points

A07950 represents an important step in addressing animal abandonment within New York State legislation. By adopting specific penalties, the bill not only highlights the seriousness of animal welfare but also sets a precedent for future legislative measures aimed at protecting animals from neglect and mistreatment. It reflects a growing awareness of animal rights issues and a shift towards stricter legal accountability for pet owners.

Companion Bills

NY S01741

Same As Provides that the penalty for the abandonment of animals is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

Previously Filed As

NY A03810

Prohibits the taking of zoo, petting zoo, carnival or circus animals; provides that violations shall be punishable by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand dollars.

NY A06121

Increases the monetary penalties for the crimes of aggravated harassment in the first or second degrees or for discrimination; provides that such penalty shall be not less than five hundred dollars nor more than twenty-five hundred dollars for the first violation and not less than twenty-five hundred dollars nor more than twelve thousand five hundred dollars for each subsequent violation.

NY A03112

Establishes that any person who knowingly engages in a repeated course of cyberbullying of a minor is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by a period of imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both.

NY A06330

Provides that where the court finds that the agency had no reasonable basis for denying access, a civil penalty of not more than one thousand five hundred dollars may also be imposed; provides that an agency or public official who does not promptly comply with a court order under this act is subject to a civil penalty of not more than five hundred dollars per day until the public records are provided.

NY A08303

Increases the penalties for stopping, standing, or parking in handicapped spaces without a handicapped permit to not less than one hundred fifty dollars nor more than three hundred dollars for the first offense and three hundred to five hundred fifty dollars for the second offense occurring within a period of five years within the state.

NY S08857

Increases the penalties for stopping, standing, or parking in handicapped spaces without a handicapped permit to not less than one hundred fifty dollars nor more than three hundred dollars for the first offense and three hundred to five hundred fifty dollars for the second offense occurring within a period of five years within the state.

NY S00298

Makes the failure to provide food, water or appropriate shelter to a companion animal (dogs and cats) left outside a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

NY A04536

Prohibits the sale of dry ice to individuals under eighteen years of age; provides a violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.

NY S05871

Prohibits the sale of dry ice to individuals under eighteen years of age; provides a violation shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars.

NY A02569

Relates to providing hazard payments to essential workers during a state disaster emergency; provides that certain employers shall make hazard payments to essential workers during a state disaster emergency provided no hazard payment shall exceed twenty-five thousand dollars in any year for any essential worker earning less than two hundred thousand dollars per year or five thousand dollars for any essential worker earning more than two hundred thousand dollars.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.