Bill > A04894

This bill enhances New York State's legal framework for combating animal fighting by creating a comprehensive set of criminal offenses with escalating penalties. The bill defines "animal fighting" as fights between animals or animals and people for amusement or gain, and introduces detailed definitions of "animal fighting paraphernalia" that include specific equipment like breaking sticks, cat mills, treadmills, springpoles, and fighting pits. It establishes three degrees of promoting animal fighting: a third-degree misdemeanor (for possessing fighting equipment or being present at a fighting event), a second-degree misdemeanor (for owning animals intended for fighting or repeat offenses), and a first-degree felony (for causing animals to fight, training them for fighting, breeding or selling fighting animals, or permitting fighting on one's premises). The bill also creates a new "enterprise animal fighting" offense, which is a more serious felony charge for large-scale or repeated animal fighting activities. Additionally, the legislation allows courts to impose significant fines (up to $35,000) and provides for the potential forfeiture of animals involved in fighting. The goal is to more comprehensively detect, disrupt, and punish individuals and operations involved in animal fighting, treating it as a serious form of animal cruelty.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4894