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)
S.4099/A.2917
Proposed legislation would prohibit harassing or killing certain wildlife at competitive events.
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.
Active Cases
No results found.
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
New York: Protect Wildlife from Cruel Killing Contests
The New York Legislature is now considering a bill, A.5746/S.6643, that would prohibit harassing or killing certain wild animals at competitive events. Seven states have already enacted bans on wildlife killing contests, and with your help, New York could be next!
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!
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.
Passing Local Legislation: Retail Pet Sale Ban
In this free webinar, we walk you through the basics of how to pass a retail pet sale bans in your community — a powerful way to fight back against puppy mills.
Passing Local Legislation: Prohibiting Animals in Circuses and Traveling Shows
This webinar will focus on passing a local prohibition on animals used in circuses and other traveling shows.
Past Victories
Seeking Justice for Gigi — and Defending New York’s Cruelty Laws
People of the State of New York v. Luis Jimenez
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.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2022 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws