Establishes a twelve percent surcharge on the sale of animals by pet dealers

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to establishing a twelve percent surcharge on the sale of animals by pet dealers; and to amend the state finance law, in relation to establishing the "New York animal shelter and wildlife rehabilitator account"

Purpose or general idea of bill

Establishing a special account entitled the 'New York animal shelter and wildlife rehabilitator' so as to ensure humane societies are subsidized for the protection and care of unwanted animals.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. This agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new section 380.

* Establishes that whenever a pet dealer sells an animal there shall be a levy to the amount of twelve percent of the total price of the animal. For the purposes of this section, pet dealers shall be defined as any person who engages in the sale or offering of more than nine animals a year. This applies to breeders although breeders who sell or offer for sale directly to consumer's less than twenty five animals a year that are born and raised on their premises shall not be considered pet dealers.

Section 2. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 99-t

* Establishes the creation of an animal and wildlife rehabilitation account. There shall be joint custody between the state comptroller and a non-governmental entity to be chosen by the comptroller pursuant to subdivision four of this section, a special account entitled the New York animal shelter and wildlife rehabilitator account. This section strictly outlines the manner in which money shall be expended and the manner in which money shall be obtained.

Justification

Passing this bill will ensure that those who are in the business of selling animals would incur some financial responsibility for the animals they breed, thus providing the impetus for controlling the amount of animals they breed. Puppy mills not only involve incredible levels of animal cruelty but can ultimately end up costing the state in regards the need to relocate the surplus animals that result from this practice. Introducing this bill would provide the incentive to choose adoption rather than buying directly from pet stores who in most cases themselves buy from puppy mills. This in turn would ensure better regulation of the animal population and would have a positive influence on the issue of stray animals. Additionally, providing subsidization for animal shelters which help ensure that unwanted animals are adopted from their homes would reduce the need for people to buy animals from pet dealers. This again would provide another disadvantage to the puppy mill industry and thus reduce unwanted costs. Animal shelters provide a comprehensive service in regards the adoption of homeless animals and encouraging buyers to be more diligent and informed before they buy or adopt animals.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implication of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made and completed on or before such date.