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- Referred to agriculture
- Print number 3439a
- Amend and recommit to agriculture
- Referred to agriculture
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Prohibits any person from transporting or selling a nonambulatory animal unless such animal is humanely euthanized
In Assembly Committee · Agriculture · Sponsor Steven Englebright
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S3439A
Title of bill
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to nonambulatory animals
Purpose of bill
This bill provides for the humane treatment of nonambulatory domestic animals with respect to transport, veterinary care, and euthanasia.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 of this bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law by adding a new § 357-a to provide that no individual shall buy, sell, give, transfer or transport a nonambulatory animal unless proper veterinary treatment has been administered.
A nonambulatory animal is defined as any domestic animal that is raised fox commercial or subsistence purposes and that is unable to stand and walk without assistance.
The section also defines terms including 'humanely euthanized' which has been amended in the A print to clarify that chemical means is restricted to the use of pentobarbital solution in an overdose concentration that immediately renders the animal unconscious until death.
However, a nonambulatory animal may be temporarily held or humanely transported, where the animal becomes nonambulatory on the property of a farmer who has bred or raised the animal, for the purposes of administering veterinary treatment. A nonambulatory animal must be handled humanely and at no time shall the animal be dragged, pushed with a tractor, forklift or other equipment.
Any individual who violates the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year or by a fine of not more than $2500, or by both. The commissioner shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
Section 2 is the effective date.
Justification
This proposal would amend the Agriculture and Markets law to provide that a nonambulatory 'downed" animal be givers appropriate veterinary care or be humanely euthanized. All too often downed animals are left to suffer until it is convenient to take them to slaughter. In many cases, the animals die of neglect or are moved by the easiest but least humane ways. Often they are dragged or pushed with tractors and forklifts which may cause additional injuries ranging from bruises and abrasions to torn ligaments and broken bones. This legislation would ensure the humane treatment of animals while they are being transported to a slaughterhouse or auction. Animals that axe unable to walk due to illness or injury endure extreme pain and suffering, which becomes even more acute when they are inhumanely transported.
In addition to the important humane facets of this proposal, it is important to note that this legislation prevents the nonambulatory animal from entering the nations food supply.
Legislative history
2009-2010: S.751/A.5512 2011-2012: S.427/A.4615
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.