Bill > S01802

This bill amends the New York agriculture and markets law to prohibit ear clipping and tail docking of dogs except when a licensed veterinarian determines the procedure is medically necessary to protect the dog's life or health. For ear clipping, the bill modifies existing law to specify that ear removal or modification is only permitted under anesthesia and when deemed medically necessary by a veterinarian, with violations punishable by up to one year imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Regarding tail docking, the bill introduces a new section making it illegal to cut, alter, or modify a dog's tail for cosmetic or non-medical reasons, with violations punishable by a fine of up to $500. The bill includes a grandfather clause that exempts dogs whose tails were already docked before August 1, 2026, ensuring that the law does not retroactively apply to existing procedures. The legislation aims to protect dogs from unnecessary surgical modifications performed solely for aesthetic purposes and emphasizes that any such procedures should only be conducted when medically required and performed by a licensed veterinarian.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1802