New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09535

Introduced
1/14/26  

Caption

Prohibits the transportation of dogs in the back of a motor vehicle intended for any load unless such space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of not less than forty-six inches extending vertically from the floor; the motor vehicle has installed means of preventing the dog from being ejected; or the dog is cross-tethered to the vehicle or is protected by a secured container or cage, in a manner which will prevent the dog from being ejected from the motor vehicle; imposes fines for violations.

Impact

If enacted, A09535 would impose fines for violations of these new restraints, thus creating a legal obligation for pet owners to adhere to the specified requirements when transporting dogs. The bill outlines a system of penalties for non-compliance, which escalates with repeated offenses. The first violation could result in a fine ranging from $50 to $100, while subsequent violations within a year could lead to increasing fines, up to a maximum of $250 for multiple violations. This tiered fine structure is intended to encourage compliance and underscore the importance of animal safety in transport contexts.

Summary

Bill A09535 aims to amend the vehicle and traffic law in New York by establishing new regulations related to the transportation of dogs in the back of motor vehicles. Under the proposed legislation, it will be illegal to transport a dog in the back of a vehicle intended for load without specific safety measures in place. These measures include the requirement for the transport space to be enclosed, equipped with side and tail racks of a certain height, or ensuring that the dog is safely tethered or contained within a secure container that prevents ejection from the vehicle. The legislation looks to enhance animal safety during transport.

Contention

There are notable exemption provisions embedded within A09535. The stipulations do not apply to the transportation of dogs by individuals associated with ranching or farming operations, provided they are traveling on rural roads or to livestock auctions. Additionally, dogs transported on roadways with a speed limit of less than 55 miles per hour are not subject to these requirements. These exemptions have sparked debates regarding the balance between ensuring animal safety and permitting flexibility for livelihoods that involve the use of dogs in agricultural contexts.

Companion Bills

NY S00675

Same As Prohibits the transportation of dogs in the back of a motor vehicle intended for any load unless such space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of not less than forty-six inches extending vertically from the floor; the motor vehicle has installed means of preventing the dog from being ejected; or the dog is cross-tethered to the vehicle or is protected by a secured container or cage, in a manner which will prevent the dog from being ejected from the motor vehicle; imposes fines for violations.

Previously Filed As

NY S00675

Prohibits the transportation of dogs in the back of a motor vehicle intended for any load unless such space is enclosed or has side and tail racks to a height of not less than forty-six inches extending vertically from the floor; the motor vehicle has installed means of preventing the dog from being ejected; or the dog is cross-tethered to the vehicle or is protected by a secured container or cage, in a manner which will prevent the dog from being ejected from the motor vehicle; imposes fines for violations.

NY S07956

Prohibits any motor vehicle with a manufacturers' gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand one pounds or more which utilizes autonomous vehicle technology from being operated on public highways unless a natural person holding a valid license for the operation of the motor vehicle's class is present within such vehicle.

NY A10954

Requires any motorized recreational vehicle operated, sold or transferred within New York state to be titled with the department of motor vehicles; provides that no person shall sell, transfer or purchase a motorized recreational vehicle without a valid title; directs the department of motor vehicles to maintain a digital database of titled motorized recreational vehicles; provides penalties for noncompliance.

NY A09307

Requires that all new motor vehicles sold at motor vehicle dealerships contain a space saver tire unless certain exceptions apply.

NY SB229

Relating to prohibiting a retail seller of motor vehicles from imposing certain restrictions on the purchase of a motor vehicle.

NY S08016

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of a decorative or facsimile license plate of a size, shape, color and design which is substantially similar to a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles, such that such decorative or facsimile license plate appears to be a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles.

NY A08831

Relates to the operation of three-wheeled vehicles; removes requirement that such vehicles have two wheels situated in the front and one wheel in the rear.

NY S01955

Exempts antique motor vehicles from annual motor vehicle safety inspections; modifies the definition of antique or historical motor vehicles.

NY A09296

Requires catalytic converters to be indelibly marked or engraved with the vehicle identification number of the vehicle on which such catalytic converter is installed; requires junk dealers to obtain and record certain information and documentation when receiving a motor vehicle catalytic converter that is not attached to the motor vehicle.

NY HB705

Motor vehicles; prohibit traffic stop on sole basis that the person is operating a motorcycle or wearing motorcycle paraphernalia

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.