Bill > S04952

This bill expands existing education law to require humane education about animals in both elementary and secondary schools throughout New York State. Specifically, the bill mandates that schools provide instruction on the humane treatment and protection of animals, emphasizing their role in nature's ecosystem and the importance of preventing animal abandonment and cruelty. For secondary schools, the bill introduces additional requirements that students be educated on principles of kindness to animals, respect for animals, and observance of animal welfare laws. The bill directs the state commissioner of education to determine how to incorporate this instruction into existing curricula and to create necessary regulations. Furthermore, the bill requires the commissioner to maintain and publicly share records verifying school compliance with these new requirements, with schools risking the loss of public funding if they do not provide the mandated animal welfare instruction. The law would take effect on the first of July following its passage, with immediate authorization for developing implementing regulations.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4952