New York Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
NEW YORK Legislative Overview – 2025 Session
(Adjourned on June 17, 2025)
185 pet related items were proposed during the 1st year of the 2025-26 legislative session, 76 of which were designated as priority by the Pet Advocacy Network.
Final Disposition of Priority ISSUES:
| BILL # | SUMMARY | FINAL DISPOSITION |
| AB 107 | Animals – “Personhood”: Amends Article 26 (Animals) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law by adding a new Section 386 to establish animals as sentient beings. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 181 | Animal Laws Taskforce: Amends Article 26 (Animals) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law by adding a new Section 381 (Task Force on Animal Laws) to establish a task force on animal laws and to provide for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 630 | Outdoor Dog Tethering Restrictions: Amends Article 26 (Animals), by adding a new Section 353-g (Tethering, restraining, caging or penning of dogs or animals) to prohibit tethering, restraining, caging or penning of dogs or animals between the hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 640/SB 2296 | Courtroom Animal Advocates: Amends NY Judiciary Law by adding a new Article 22-B (Special Advocates for Animal Welfare Program) which would allow for the appointment of a special advocate to represent the interests of justice in a court proceeding involving the welfare of an animal. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 664/SB 1044 | Animal Cruelty – Pet Ownership Prohibition: Amends Article 26 (Animals), Section 353-a (Aggravated cruelty to animals) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law to prohibit a person convicted of violating “Buster’s Law” from owning or possessing a companion animal. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 665 | Animal Cruelty Crime Database: Amends Article 835 (Division of Criminal Justice Services) of NY Executive Law by adding a new Section 837-aa (Animal Cruelty Database) relating to the creation of a crime database of all convictions in New York state of animal cruelty, fighting, neglect, abandonment and mistreatment. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 724 | Pet Insurance Policies – Veterinary Expenses: Amends NY Insurance Law by adding a new Article 42-A to regulate the issuance of insurance policies covering veterinary expenses. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 732 | Unweaned Bird Sale Restrictions: Amends Article 26-A (Care of Animals by Pet Dealers), Section 402 (Records of Purchase and Sale) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law to restrict the sale of unweaned birds by pet dealers. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 858/SB 833 | Animal Drugs – Sales Tax Exemption: Amends Article 28 (Sales & Compensating Use Taxes), of New York Tax Law to provide an exemption for drugs and medicines for companion and farm animals. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 893/SB 364 | Homeowner’s Insurance – Breed-Specific Prohibition: Amends Article 34 (Insurance Contracts-property/casualty) of NY Insurance Law by adding a new Section 3421 (Dogs; coverage refusal) to prohibit insurers from discriminating against dog owners based on breed in both homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1108 | Pet Grooming Facility Regulation: Amends NY General Business Law by adding a new Article 29-CCC (Licensing & Regulation of Pet Groomers) to provide for the licensing and regulation of pet groomers. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1200/SB 415 | Minimum Wage Requirements: Amends Article 19 (Minimum Wage Act), Section 651 (Definitions) of NY Labor Law by adding a new subdivision to provide minimum wage requirements and a definition for “miscellaneous industry workers” (to include dog groomers). | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1344 | Non-Economic Damages Awards: Amends Article 11 (Obligations to make compensation or restitution) of NY General Obligations Law by adding a new section 11-108 (Wrongful injury or death of a companion animal) to provide for recovery of “non-economic” damages. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1432 | Animal Cruelty Statute Recodification: Amends the Consolidated Laws of NY by repealing certain animal cruelty provisions and penalties of Article 26 (Animals) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law and recodifying/consolidating them into a new section of NY Penal Law to be known as Title Q , Article 280 (Offenses Against Animals). | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1667/SB 3220 | Establishment of Office of Antibiotic-Resistance Control: Amends Article 2 (Department of Health) of NY Public Health Law by adding a new Title 9 (Antibiotic-Resistance Control) to codify the establishment of an Office of Antibiotic-Resistance Control in order to organize the state’s efforts to control the spread of antibiotic resistance, coordinate all agencies’ responses, and rely on best practices to comprehensively address the public health threat posed by antibiotic resistance. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1672/SB 6822 | Pet Financing Restrictions – Online Pet Dealers: Amends Article 35-D (Sale of Dogs and Cats), Section 753-e (Prohibited Contracts) of NY General Business Law to prohibit online pet dealers from leasing and financing the sale or adoption of an animal. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1685/SB 6621 | Red-Eared Slider Breeding/ Importation Prohibition: Amends Chapter 43B (NY Environmental Conservation Law), Article 11 (Fish & Wildlife), Title 5 (Fish and Wildlife Management Practices Cooperative Program; Prohibitions; Taking of Fish, Wildlife, Shellfish and Crustacea for Scientific or Propagation Purposes; Destructive Wildlife; Rabies Control; Guides; Endangered Species) by adding a new Section 11-0541 to prohibit the breeding, sale, trade, purchase, importation, and exportation of red-eared slider turtles. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1693/SB 673 | “Housing People and Animals Together Grant Program”: Amends Chapter 55 (Social Services Law), Article 2A (Shelter and Supported Housing Programs) and Article 6 (Domestic Violence Prevention Act) of NY Consolidated Laws by adding a new sections in relation to establishing the Housing People and Animals Together Grant Program. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1976 | Pet Products – Toxic Chemical Regulation: Amends Article 37 (Substances Hazardous or Acutely Hazardous to Public Health, Safety or the Environment) of NY Environmental Conservation Law by adding a new Title XII (Toxic Chemicals in Pet Products) to provide for the regulation of toxic chemicals in pet products. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 1980 | “Wildlife” Definition Amendment: Amends Article 11 (Fish & Wildlife), Title 1 (Definitions) of NY Environmental Conservation Law to exclude certain animals from the definition of wildlife. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 2194 | State Animal Abuser Registry: Amends Article 26 (Animals), of NY Agriculture & Markets Law by adding a new Section 353-g to establish an animal abuser statewide registry. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 2387/SB 6812 | State Animal Abuse Hotline: Amends Article 5 (Department of Law) of NY Executive Law by adding a new Section 63-e (Animal Abuse Hotline) to establish a state animal abuse hotline. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 2555/SB 3073 | Animal Cruelty – Civil Remedies: Amends Chapter 69 (NY Agriculture & Markets Law) by adding a new Article 26-D (Civil Remedy for the Protection of Companion Animals) to to establish a civil remedy for the protection of companion animals denied proper care. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 2647/SB 40 | “War Dog Memorial Highway”: Amends Chapter 25 (NY Highway Law), Article 12-A (State Thruways) of the Consolidated Laws of New York by adding a new Section 344-r to designate a portion of the state highway system as the “War Dog Memorial Highway”. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 3115 | Non-Economic Damages Awards: Amends Article 11 (Obligations to make compensation or restitution) of NY General Obligations Law by adding a new section 11-108 (Compensation for injury or death of a companion animal) to allow for compensation for the injury or death of a companion animal, considering the bond with the owner and permitting punitive damages for intentional or reckless harm. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 3192/SB 2370 | Income Tax Credit – Service Dogs: Amends Article 22 (Personal Income Tax), Section 606 (General) of NY Tax Law to establish a credit against income tax for service, guide, seeing and hearing dogs. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 4194/SB 7089 | Pet Food – Sales Tax Exemption: Amends Article 28 (Sales & Compensating Use Taxes), Section 1115 (Exemptions from Sales & Use Taxes) of NY Tax Law to add pet food to the list of products exempt from sales tax. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 4376/SB 5410 | Animal Breeder Registration/ Regulation: Amends NY Agriculture & Markets Law by adding a new Article 26-C (Care of Animals by Breeders) to provide for the registration and regulation of dog and cat breeders. Also amends Article 26-A (Care of Animals by Pet Dealers), Section 401 (Minimum Standards of Animal Care) to establish regulations for animal breeders to include licensing and care standards. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 4884 | Landlord/Tenant – Breed-Specific Prohibition: Amends Chapter 44 (Public Housing), Section 223 (Prohibition Against Discrimination) and Chapter 50 (Real Property), Article 7 (Landlord and Tenant) of NY Consolidated Statutes by adding new sections to prohibit discrimination against dog owners based on breed, size, or weight in public housing and rental properties, while allowing reasonable restrictions. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 4977 | Animal Boarding – Sales Tax Exemption: Amends Article 28 (Sales and Compensating Use Taxes), Part 3 (Exemptions), Section 1115 (Exemption from Sales and Use Tax) of NY Tax Law by adding a new subdivision to exempt certain animal boarding services from state sales and use tax. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 5947 | Fish & Wildlife Importation Prohibition: Amends: 1) Article 11 (Fish & Wildlife), Title 17 (Importation of Fish, Wildlife and Game from Outside the State) of NY Environmental Conservation Law by adding a new Section 1710 (Prohibited Import of Wildlife and Fish); and 2) NY Agriculture & Markets Law by adding a new Article 22-A (Live Animal Markets) to prohibit certain wildlife and fish from being imported into the State. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 6093/SB 153 | Intentional Balloon Release – Marine Life Concerns: Amends Chapter 43-B (Environmental Conservation), Title 3 (General Duties & Powers of the Department) of NY Consolidated Laws by adding a new Section 11-0331 (Release of certain balloons prohibited) to prohibit the intentional release of balloons in New York to prevent environmental harm, with exceptions for scientific use and indoor releases, and imposes penalties for violations. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 6145 | Outdoor Dog Tethering Restrictions: Amends Article 26 (Animals) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law by adding a new Section 352 (Unlawful tethering of dogs) to provide certain tethering restrictions and proper outdoor shelter for dogs. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 6185/SB 1632 | Livestock Guardian/Herding Dog License Fee Exemption: Amends Article 7 (Licensing, Identification and Control of Dogs), Sections 108 (Definitions) and 110 (License Fees) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law to exempt livestock guardian dogs and herding dogs from license fees relating to the licensing, identification and control of dogs. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 6388/SB 896 | Local Emergency Management Plans – Companion Animals: Amends Article 2-B (State and Local Natural and Man-made Disaster Preparedness), Section 23 (Local comprehensive emergency management plans) of New York Executive Law to include certain companion animal provisions in relation to the establishment of local comprehensive emergency management plans. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 6395 | Animal Welfare – Outdoor Dogs: Amends Article 26 (Animals), Section 353-b (Appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law to expand the requirements for sheltering of dogs outside to include protection from wind and loss of body heat. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 6679/SB 4691 | Mercury-Added Lamp Prohibition: Amends Chapter 43-B (Environmental Conservation), Article 27 (Collection, Treatment and Disposal of Refuse and Other Solid Waste), Title 21 (Mercury-Added Consumer Products), Section 21-2107 (Prohibitions) of NY Consolidated Laws to prohibit the sale and distribution of mercury-added lamps. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 6871/SB 3457 | “Promoting Ethical Testing Solutions (P.E.T.S) Act”: Amends Chapter 45 (Public Health), Article 5 (Laboratories), Title 1 (General Provisions: State Laboratories; Approved Laboratories) of NY Consolidated Laws by adding a new Section 504-a (Human-relevant research funding for scientific testing on animals) to establish a fund to support research into alternatives to animal testing, requiring contributions from laboratories based on their use of vertebrates. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 6985/SB 7723 | Canine Trainers – Licensing/ Educational Standards: Amends Article 7 (Licensing, Control & Identification of Dogs) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law by adding a new Section 113-a (Obedience Training) to require the Commissioner of Agriculture & Markets to establish licensing and educational standards for individuals providing canine training for non-service and non-police dogs. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 7388/SB 7011 | “Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act”: Amends Chapter 43B (Environmental Conservation), Article 11 (Fish & Wildlife), Section 11-0512 (Possession, sale, barter, transfer, exchange and import of wild animals as pets prohibited) of NY Consolidated Laws by adding language to provide procedural protections for animals in registered sanctuaries against seizure and euthanization. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 7967 | Public Accommodation – Service Animals: Amends Chapter 6 (Civil Rights), Article 4-B (Rights of Persons with a Disability Accompanied by Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs or Service Dogs) of NY Consolidated Laws to enhance the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by guide dogs or service dogs in public facilities and housing accommodations. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 8098/SB 5982 | Invasive Species Listing – Emergency Basis: Amends Article 9 (Lands & Forests), Title 17 (NY Invasive Species Council), Section 9-1709 (General Powers & Duties of the Department) of NY Environmental Conservation Law by adding a new subdivision to authorize the Department of Environmental Conservation to independently add to the lists of prohibited and regulated invasive species on an emergency basis. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 8327 | Statewide Bird Sale Prohibition: Amends Chapter 20 (General Business), Article 35-D (Sale of Dogs and Cats), Section 753-F (Sale of dogs, cats and rabbits prohibited) of NY Consolidated Statutes by adding birds to the existing prohibition on the retail sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in New York pet stores. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 8341 | Treatment of Cats in Retail Food Stores: Amends Chapter 69 (Agriculture & Markets), Article 26 (Animals) of NY Consolidated Statutes by adding a new Section 381-a (Health and Safety Guidelines for Cats Living in Retail Food Stores) to establish guidelines for the humane and sanitary treatment of cats in retail food stores, including veterinary care, spaying/neutering, nutrition, and clean environments. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| AB 8653/SB 8252 | “Pet Dealer” and “Pet Broker” Definition Amendment: Amends Chapter 20 (General Business), Article 35-D (Sale of Dogs and Cats), Sections 752 (Definitions) and 753-f (Sale of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits Prohibited) and Chapter 69 (Agriculture & Markets), Article 26-A (Care of Animals by Pet Dealers), Section 400 (Definitions) of NY Consolidated Statutes to: (1) Redefine “pet dealer”; (2) Add a definition for “broker”; and (3) Add brokers to the existing prohibition on the sale or transfer of dogs, cats, and rabbits. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 1045 | Appropriate Shelter – Outdoor Dogs: Amends Article 26 (Animals), Section 353-b (Appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law to make the failure to provide food, water or appropriate shelter to a companion animal left outside a felony. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 1562 | Animal Cruelty – Pet Ownership Prohibition: Amends Article 26 (Animals), Section 353-a (Aggravated cruelty to animals) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law to limit ownership or possession of companion animals by persons convicted of “Buster’s Law”. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 1563 | Animal Cruelty – Animal Abuse Registry: Amends Article 26 (Animals) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law by adding a new Section 352 (Public Animal Cruelty Register) for persons convicted of violating “Buster’s Law”. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 3651 | Pet Dealers – Online Dog and Cat Sales Restrictions: Amends: (1) Article 26-A (Care of Animals by Pet Dealers) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law by adding a new Section 409 to further regulate the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet dealers located in this state or sold online; and (2) Article 35-D (Sale of Dogs and Cats), Section 752 (Definitions) of NY General Business Law to amend the definition of “pet dealer”. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 5488 | Shelter-Rescue Microchipping Requirements: Amends Article 26 (Animals) of NY Agriculture & Markets Law by creating a new Section 386 (Microchipping of Certain Animals) to require microchipping of certain animals possessed by animal protective associations and rescue organizations. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 6907 | Plastic Carryout Bag Prohibition: Amends Article 27 (Collection, Treatment and Disposal of Refuse and Other Solid Waste), Title 27 (Plastic Bag Reduction, Reuse and Recycling), Sections 27-2703 (Store Operator Responsibilities), 27-2705 (Recycling Program Requirements), 27-2801 (Definitions), 27-2803 (Plastic carryout bag ban), and 27-2807 (Violations), of NY Environmental Conservation Law to eliminate the use of plastic carryout bags. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 6963 | Pet Groomer Registration/ Regulation: Amends NY General Business Law by adding a new Article 29-CCC (Licensing & Regulation of Pet Groomers) to provide for the registration and regulation of pet groomers. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
| SB 8084 | Public Animal Abuser Registry – Pet Ownership Prohibition: Amends Chapter 69 (Agriculture & Markets), Article 26 (Animals), Article 26-A (Care of Animals by Pet Dealers), Section 403 (Licenses) and Article 26-C (Regulation of Animal Shelters), Section 421 (License Required and Inspection of Facilities) of NY Consolidated Statutes to establish a public animal abuser registry, requiring convicted individuals to register and prohibiting them from obtaining animal-related licenses or animal ownership. | HELD OVER TO 2026 (SESSION ADJOURNED) |
View ALL New York legislation tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025-26 session.
View ALL local ordinances tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2024-25 session.
View ALL federal and state issues tracked by the Pet Advocacy Network during the 2025 session.