New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A11276

Introduced
5/4/26  

Caption

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.

Impact

This legislation aims to enhance protections for dogs by ensuring that owners are held to a higher standard concerning their care. Should the bill pass, it would directly affect statutes related to animal control, particularly those governing the treatment and conditions provided for dogs left outdoors. By making it a misdemeanor, the law seeks to deter neglect and ensure compliance through more substantial consequences for non-compliance, thereby promoting better living conditions for these animals.

Summary

Bill A11276 proposes a significant update to New York's agriculture and markets law concerning the adequate shelter of dogs. The key change introduced by this bill is the elevation of penalties for individuals who knowingly violate animal shelter provisions from a minor violation to a misdemeanor. This change means that offenders could be subject to imprisonment for up to one year or face fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, or potentially both. Such a measure underscores a growing recognition of the importance of animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet ownership in the state.

Contention

While the bill aligns with a push towards more serious accountability for animal welfare, there may be points of contention amongst stakeholders. Some critics may argue that the implementation of stricter penalties could disproportionately affect low-income pet owners who struggle to meet the financial requirements for adequate shelter. Conversely, advocates argue that the bill is necessary to elevate standards and protect dogs from neglect and harsh conditions, thereby paving the way for a more humane approach to animal care.

Companion Bills

NY S01742

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

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 A07950

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 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 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 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 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 S2397

Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $500 or no more than $2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, for violating the law on the care of dogs.

NY H7487

Increases penalties for a second or subsequent offense with a fine of not less than $500 or no more than $2,500 and up to 2 years imprisonment, for violating the law on the care of dogs.

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.