Bill > A01980

This bill amends the New York State Environmental Conservation Law to modify the definition of "wildlife" by explicitly excluding companion animals as defined in section three hundred fifty of the Agriculture and Markets Law. Specifically, the bill proposes to change the existing definition of wildlife from "wild game and all other animal life existing in a wild state" to "wild game and all other animal life existing in a wild state, except companion animals as defined in section three hundred fifty of the agriculture and markets law". This means that dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals that are considered companion animals would no longer be classified as wildlife under this law. The change provides clarity in legal terminology and ensures that domesticated animals are not inadvertently regulated under wildlife conservation statutes. The bill would take effect immediately upon enactment, offering a straightforward and immediate update to the existing legal definition.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1980