New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A07950

Introduced
4/16/25  
Refer
4/16/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
2/25/26  

Caption

Provides that the penalty for the abandonment of animals is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

Impact

The intended impact of A07950 is to strengthen laws that enforce the welfare of animals, potentially leading to a decline in cases of abandonment. By categorizing abandonment as a misdemeanor with specific penalties, the bill aims to deter individuals from neglecting or abandoning animals. This could result in benefits for local shelters and animal control agencies that deal with the aftermath of animal abandonment and could foster a more responsible pet ownership culture among residents.

Summary

Assembly Bill A07950 seeks to amend the agriculture and markets law regarding the abandonment of animals. This amendment stipulates that a person who abandons an animal, or leaves it to die in a public place, will be guilty of a misdemeanor. The proposed penalty for such actions would include imprisonment for up to one year and/or a monetary fine ranging from five hundred to one thousand dollars. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to enhancing the protections of animals in New York State.

Contention

While the bill focuses on protecting animal welfare, it may also spark discussions regarding its enforcement and practicality. Some stakeholders may question the adequacy of the proposed penalties as insufficient deterrents against abandonment, whereas others may argue that it complicates the legal framework surrounding animal welfare. Additionally, concerns about the implementation of such laws and their effects on low-income pet owners might emerge, prompting a dialogue about the responsibilities of ownership versus social support systems.

Notable_points

A07950 represents an important step in addressing animal abandonment within New York State legislation. By adopting specific penalties, the bill not only highlights the seriousness of animal welfare but also sets a precedent for future legislative measures aimed at protecting animals from neglect and mistreatment. It reflects a growing awareness of animal rights issues and a shift towards stricter legal accountability for pet owners.

Companion Bills

NY S01741

Same As Provides that the penalty for the abandonment of animals is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

Previously Filed As

NY S01741

Provides that the penalty for the abandonment of animals is a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

NY A11276

Increases the penalty of knowingly violating the provisions relating to the appropriate shelter for dogs from a violation to a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

NY S01742

Increases the penalty of knowingly violating the provisions relating to the appropriate shelter for dogs from a violation to a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine not less than five hundred dollars nor more than one thousand dollars, or by both.

NY A00862

Prohibits the taking of zoo, petting zoo, carnival or circus animals; provides that violations shall be punishable by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than two thousand dollars.

NY S3042

Bans street takeovers and violators would be guilty of a felony and punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and be subject to a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000).

NY A05792

Increases the monetary penalties for the crimes of aggravated harassment in the first or second degrees or for discrimination; provides that such penalty shall be not less than five hundred dollars nor more than twenty-five hundred dollars for the first violation and not less than twenty-five hundred dollars nor more than twelve thousand five hundred dollars for each subsequent violation.

NY A02641

Establishes that any person who knowingly engages in a repeated course of cyberbullying of a minor is guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by a period of imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both.

NY S08018

Enacts "CJ's law" in relation to increasing the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident without reporting where such accident resulted in the death of a minor to a class C felony punishable by a fine of not less than four thousand nor more than eight thousand dollars in addition to any other penalties provided by law.

NY A10188

Requires the clear and conspicuous disclosure of pricing changes for online grocery delivery and online pick-up services; imposes a fine of not more than one hundred dollars for the first offense and not more than two hundred fifty dollars for a second and each subsequent offense for violations.

NY S04433

Requires the clear and conspicuous disclosure of pricing changes for online grocery delivery and online pick-up services; imposes a fine of not more than one hundred dollars for the first offense and not more than two hundred fifty dollars for a second and each subsequent offense for violations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.