Bill > A06514

This bill amends the New York agriculture and markets law to require duly incorporated humane societies, animal shelters, and pounds to make reasonable efforts to locate the owner of or find a new home for animals in their custody. These reasonable efforts must include checking the animal for all forms of identification, searching social media, and posting a photograph and detailed description of the animal on the internet. The bill extends the minimum period for making an animal available for adoption to 90 days and requires shelters to consider factors such as the shelter's capacity, the number of animals currently housed, the animal's length of stay, and the animal's health when determining a "reasonably practicable" adoption period. The legislation aims to increase the chances of reuniting lost animals with their owners or finding them new homes by mandating more comprehensive search and placement strategies. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for preparing implementing regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6514