Bill > A00740

This bill amends the Domestic Relations Law and Agriculture and Markets Law to provide courts with new authority in handling companion animal ownership during legal proceedings such as divorce or separation. Specifically, the bill allows courts to enter temporary orders for the care of a companion animal and make final determinations of ownership, with the primary consideration being the animal's well-being. The term "companion animal" is defined by referencing existing law, which typically includes domesticated pets like dogs and cats. Under this legislation, courts can now assign sole or joint ownership of a pet, similar to how child custody is sometimes determined, and can issue interim care orders that ensure the animal's welfare during legal disputes. The temporary care order will not prejudge the final ownership determination, giving courts flexibility to make decisions that prioritize the animal's best interests. The bill aims to recognize pets as more than mere property and provide a more nuanced legal approach to resolving pet ownership conflicts during relationship dissolutions. The law will take effect 30 days after it is signed.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A740