
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

Banning Killing Contests (New York)

Ryder’s Law
Active Cases
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.

New York: Protect Wildlife from Cruel Killing Contests

New York City: Protect Horses

Stop Ag-Gag Laws

No More Puppy Mills

Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban

Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
Past Victories

Seeking Justice for Gigi — and Defending New York’s Cruelty Laws

Puppy Mill Pipeline Act (New York)

New York Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act (New York)

Strengthening Protections for Carriage Horses Forced to Work in Extreme Heat (NYC)
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws