Relates to companion animal hoarding

BILL NUMBER:S3474

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to companion animal hoarding

Purpose

This bill would create a violation of companion animal hoarding, which is defined as neglect in terms of their surrounding environment and a lack of care. The bill further allows a court to order mental health examinations and prohibit possession of such animals as penalties.

Summary of provisions

Adds a new section 353-e to the agriculture and markets law; amends paragraph a of subdivision 5 of section 374 of the agriculture and markets law, as amended by chapter 594 of the laws of 2003.

Justification

Across the country, there is an increasing incidence of cases where large numbers of companion animals are seized from individuals who lack the ability to provide them with the basics of life, clean place to live, adequate food and water, and necessary veterinary care. The living conditions in many of these cases are not just marginal-frequently they fall well below accepted standards for either companion animals or human beings. Severe overcrowding, excessive feces, dirt, garbage, dangerous levels of ammonia from urine-saturated surfaces, animals that plainly suffer from parasite infestation, upper respiratory infections, and other ailments and owners or custodians that neither fully recognize nor are capable of remedying the situation. Sadly, these companion animal "hoarding" cases are also frequently accompanied by self neglect and neglect of other people living in the household-particularly children and the elderly. When authorities do intervene, the cost--in terms of other animal suffering and government expenditure--is substantial. Animals removed from hoarding situations are often too debilitated, sick or injured to be helped. When they are able to be rehabilitated, the cost of housing, food, and veterinary care can be extremely high. States around the country are responding to companion animal hoarding with legislation that gives law enforcement the tools it needs for early intervention before the situation becomes a full-blown cruelty case. This legislation defines companion animal hoarding, makes provision for seizure of animals and requires that those deemed hoarders are evaluated to determine whether they can receive services to assist them with their problem. Provision is made for covering the cost of caring for animals' seized in hoarding cases and to ensure that those determined to be hoarders do not have custody of companion animals for a period of time that the sentencing court deems reasonable and appropriate.

Legislative history

2007-08: A.9345 Referred to Agriculture 2005-06: A.7572 Referred to Agriculture 05/07/10 REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE (S.7771)

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.