Bill > A01648

This bill amends the agriculture and markets law to establish new responsibilities for individuals authorized to be on vacant properties following events like eviction, foreclosure, or abandonment. Specifically, if such a person encounters an animal that appears abandoned based on its physical condition or lack of food and water, they are now legally required to notify animal control, police, or an animal welfare organization within six hours of discovering the animal. The notification must be made to facilitate retrieving the animal or providing necessary care. If the animal is removed from the property, it must be placed in the custody of a pound, humane society, or animal protective association and cared for according to existing animal welfare laws. Failure to provide the required notification within the six-hour window will be considered a violation. The bill also explicitly maintains the existing authority of animal welfare and law enforcement agents to enforce laws related to animal abandonment and cruelty. The law will take effect 60 days after it is signed.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1648