Bill > A06145

This bill strengthens animal welfare protections for dogs by establishing comprehensive regulations for outdoor shelter and tethering practices. The legislation defines specific requirements for sheltering dogs left outdoors, including mandating that shelters must be waterproof, structurally sound, provide adequate ventilation, have appropriate insulation, and allow dogs to move comfortably. The bill introduces precise temperature thresholds for what constitutes extreme weather (32°F or below, and 90°F or above), and specifies that dogs cannot be left outdoors in inclement weather for more than thirty minutes without appropriate shelter. Additionally, the bill creates strict tethering restrictions, prohibiting dogs from being tethered for more than four thirty-minute increments in a 24-hour period, banning tethering of sick, injured, or young dogs, and establishing guidelines about tether length, type of restraint, and conditions under which tethering is permitted. Violations can result in fines ranging from $50 to $250, with repeat offenses incurring higher penalties. The law aims to prevent animal neglect by setting clear, enforceable standards for dog care and providing legal mechanisms to protect dogs from harsh environmental conditions and inappropriate restraint practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6145