New York
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
New York
Overall Rank: #33 (Middle Tier)
- +Veterinarians must report suspected cruelty to a companion animal and have immunity for doing so
- +Peace officers have a duty to enforce animal cruelty laws
- -Standards for minimum acceptable care for animals (e.g. necessary food, water, shelter) are not well-defined
- -No felony provisions for sexual assault of animals, or for negligent or reckless neglect or abandonment
- -Social service professionals are not required to report suspected animal cruelty
Animal Protection Laws of New York
The Animal Protection Laws of New York compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for New York with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Legislative Session
Active Legislation
Ryder’s Law
Intro 573
Proposed New York City legislation will phase out and ban horse-drawn carriages in the city and replace them with horseless, electric carriages.
Banning Killing Contests (New York)
S.4099/A.2917
Proposed legislation would prohibit harassing or killing certain wildlife at competitive events.
Courtroom Animal Advocate Program (New York)
Courtroom Animal Advocates (S.1659/A.111)
The New York Courtroom Animal Advocate Program (CAAP) bill would provide for an advocate in criminal cases concerning the welfare or care of an animal.
Active Cases
No results found.
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
New York City: Protect Horses
Horses in New York City are suffering! It is time for NYC to take the next step to protect animals and ban the use of horse-drawn carriages. Take action today!
New York City: Show your support for the animal sentience resolution!
New York City Councilmember Carlina Rivera has introduced Resolution 260 recognizing the sentience of animals. Sign the petition today to show your support of the nonbinding resolution that recognizes animals are individuals capable of wide-ranging experiences and emotions, who have intrinsic value and deserve to be treated with compassion.
New York: Ask Your Legislators to Protect Animal Cruelty Victims!
S.1659/A.111 provides for an advocate in criminal cases concerning the welfare or care of an animal. Courtroom Animal Advocate Programs allow advocates — supervised law students or volunteer lawyers — to advocate for animal victims in criminal cruelty cases.
Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals
Want to take the next step in your animal advocacy? Learn the skills you need to pass laws protecting animals at the local level! Local laws are critical – not only do they help individual animals in your community but prime state legislation.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals
Learn how wild animals are exploited in circuses and traveling shows, and how you can help!
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Learn how to fight back against the cruel fur industry by passing a fur ban in your community! Led by Animal Legal Defense Fund Campaigns Manager Elizabeth Holtz, this webinar will walk you through the mechanics of fur production, the policy issues, including animal cruelty, environmental impacts, and public health, and more.
Past Victories
Puppy Mill Pipeline Act (New York)
S.1130/A.4283
The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act would prohibit the sale of puppies, kittens, and rabbits in retail stores.
New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act (New York)
Prohibits the manufacture or sale of cosmetics tested on animals after January 1, 2023 (A.5653-A/ S.4839)
The New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act, A.5653-A/S.4839, would prohibit the manufacture or sale of most cosmetics tested on animals after January 1, 2023.
Strengthening Protections for Carriage Horses Forced to Work in Extreme Heat (NYC)
The Carriage Horse Heat Relief Bill (Intro 1425)
The Animal Legal Defense Fund was a member of the coalition supporting Intro 1425 — prohibiting carriage horses from working when the heat index is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Banning the Sale of Foie Gras in New York City
Bans the sale or provision of certain force-fed poultry products (Intro 1378)
Bans the sale of foie gras — a cruelly-produced “gourmet” delicacy that comes from force-feeding young ducks and geese until their livers swell to up to eight times their natural size — in New York City.
Demanding Public Records Relating to Invasive Cat Experiments
CAARE v. SUNY
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit to compel the disclosure of public records regarding invasive experiments on cats and kittens conducted by the State University of New York College of Optometry.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws