Bill > A05505

This bill requires property owners and lessors to inspect properties that have been vacated due to eviction, foreclosure, mortgage default, or abandonment within three days of knowing the property is empty. If the owner or their representative finds an abandoned animal during this inspection, they must immediately notify local authorities such as dog control officers, police, or animal cruelty prevention societies so the animal can be retrieved or cared for. The bill explicitly states that the person who discovers the animal is not considered the animal's owner or caretaker. Property owners or lessors who fail to conduct this inspection can be fined up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, with collected funds being deposited into the animal population control fund. The legislation does not limit the ability of animal welfare or law enforcement agents to continue enforcing existing animal protection laws, and it takes effect immediately upon passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5505