What's happening
This bill prohibits individuals convicted of certain animal crimes from owning or controlling companion animals for at least five years.
Why it matters
Targets repeat offenders. By tying the restriction to convictions under specific animal cruelty laws (including animal fighting and aggravated cruelty), the bill focuses on those with a proven record of severe animal abuse, aiming to prevent future harm.
Gives courts flexibility. While the minimum prohibition is five years, judges can set longer periods based on the severity of the case, allowing for tailored responses to different circumstances.
Broader than just "ownership". The restriction covers not only owning but also harboring, possessing, adopting, fostering, or exercising control over companion animals, closing loopholes that might allow offenders access to animals in less direct ways.
Aligns with established definitions. By referencing the existing legal definition of "companion animal," the bill ensures clarity about which animals are protected, reducing ambiguity in enforcement.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Animal Abusers from Pets
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to agriculture
- Referred to agriculture
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
8837
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
December 18, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. L. ROSENTHAL -- read once and referred to the Committee on Agriculture
AN ACT to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to restricting individuals from owning a companion animal after being convicted of certain crimes involving animals
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new section 353-g to read as follows:
§ 353-g. Restrictions on companion animal ownership. 1. A person convicted of violating section three hundred fifty-one, three hundred fifty-three, or three hundred fifty-three-a of this article shall be prohibited from owning, harboring, possessing, adopting, fostering or exercising control over a companion animal for a period of time to be set at the discretion of the court. Such time period shall not be less than five years after such conviction or if applicable, not less than five years after the convicted person's release from imprisonment, whichever is longer.
2. For the purposes of this section "companion animal" shall have the same meaning as subdivision five of section three hundred fifty of this article.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14136-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.