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History
- Substituted by A739D
- Amended on third reading 6769c
- Amended on third reading 6769b
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.505
- Print number 6769a
- 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 companion animal piercing and tattooing except done in conjunction with a medical procedure for the benefit of a companion animal
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Linda Rosenthal
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S6769C
Title of bill
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to prohibiting piercing and tattooing of companion animals
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this legislation is to amend the animal cruelty statute to include the prohibition of companion animal piercing or tattooing, unless such activity provides a medical or identification benefit.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 353 of the agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new section 353-f.
Justification
The practices of tattooing and piercing are procedures that are accompanied by considerable risk and potential peril. Most humans would not undergo such a process without the assistance of someone professionally trained and without precautions. Due to such risks, laws exist to protect those most vulnerable, such as children who are not yet mature enough to understand the potential danger involved and the latent consequences, from having their flesh tattooed or pierced.
Animals are also a vulnerable population, as they have no means of expression and must live on the whim of their owners. Recent events have brought the callous practice of tattooing and piercing companion animals into the spotlight. Veterinarians have made statements detailing the cruel results of such procedures. They have reported that ear piercings can alter an animal's ability to hear correctly and that piercings along the line of the spine, such as in the neck or at the base of the tail, hamper balance and jumping. These animals, in being defenseless and lacking a choice in the matter, need protections written into the law to prevent these barbaric procedures.
Prior legislative history
A.8526 of 2011-2012
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the one hundred and twentieth 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.