Bill > S03490

This bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law to increase penalties and legal consequences for dog owners whose dogs bite people, with a focus on dangerous dogs. Specifically, the bill raises the civil penalty for a dog bite causing physical injury from $400 to $1,000, and increases the penalty for a dog bite causing serious physical injury to a potential class E felony with fines up to $5,000 (increased from $1,500). For owners of dogs previously determined to be dangerous who cause serious physical injury through their dog, the bill upgrades the offense from a misdemeanor to a class E felony, with potential fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment of up to two years (increased from a 90-day potential sentence). Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that allows for further investigation of dog owners who have previously been convicted of certain felony offenses, including potential searches of their personal and real property and seizure of illegal materials. The bill also updates language to use gender-neutral terminology, replacing "his or her" with "their" throughout the text. The changes aim to create stricter consequences for irresponsible dog ownership and repeat offenders, with a particular emphasis on preventing serious injuries caused by dangerous dogs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3490