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

Legislative Session

Active Legislation

Banning Killing Contests (New York)

Banning Killing Contests (New York)

S.4099/A.2917
Proposed legislation would prohibit harassing or killing certain wildlife at competitive events.
Horse

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.

fox

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!
Ryder the horse collapsed on 9th Street in New York City

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!
cow

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.
dog

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

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

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

puppy mills

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.
rabbits

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.
horse

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.