Amends requirements for pet dealers

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law and the general business law, in relation to the care and sale of dogs and cats by pet dealers

Purpose

To improve the health and quality of life of animals by providing duly licensed pet dealers with updated standards of care

Summary of provisions

Section one amends subdivision 1 of section 401 of the agriculture and markets law by adding a new paragraph (h) which provides that pet dealers shall designate and provide an isolation area for animals that exhibit symptoms of disease or illness in order to prevent or reduce the spread of disease to healthy animals.

Section two re-letters paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of subdivision 5 of section 401 of the agriculture and markets law as paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) and adds a new paragraph (a). Paragraph (a) provides that a duly licensed pet dealer shall designate an attending veterinarian to care for the dealer's animals. Such care shall include a written program of care and regularly scheduled visits to the dealer's premises by the veterinarian. The program of care shall include certain specified methods of care, including guidance given by the veterinarian to personnel involved with the daily care of the animals.

Section three amends section 401 of the agriculture and markets law by adding a new subdivision 7 which provides that pet dealers shall develop, maintain, and document an appropriate plan to provide animals with the opportunity for exercise. Such plan shall be approved by the attending veterinarian and the department of agriculture and markets.

Section four amends section 753-a of the general business law, as added by chapter 259 of the laws of 2000, and provides updated language with regard to veterinarian examinations of animals prior to the sale of such animal.

Section five provides the effective date.

Justification

Dogs and cats that are bred and sold by certain pet dealers receive inadequate exercise, protection from the spread of disease, and veterinary care. This legislation provides updated standards of care to be followed by duly licensed pet dealers in order to both improve the health and well being of animals, and increase the likelihood that consumers will receive healthy companion animals.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect April 1, 2011; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.