BILL NUMBER: S1673
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to requir-
ing the installation and testing of fire protection systems at pet
stores
 
PURPOSE:
This bill ensures that all premises that house animals for sale by a pet
dealer provide appropriate fire protection measures to guard against the
unnecessary endangerment or death of animals.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one of the Agriculture and Markets Law is amended by adding a
new section 409 to require all pet stores and other businesses that
house animals to have fire protection systems.
Section two authorizes the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture
and Markets to promulgate rules, regulations, and standards to implement
this act.
Section three sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
California is the only state that requires pet businesses that house
animals on their premises to install fire alarms or sprinkler systems.
Pet stores can be particularly vulnerable to fire because many of the
animals they house require the use of many electrical outputs and appli-
ances, such as heat lamps, in proximity or right next to flammable mate-
rials (like shredded newspaper or sawdust) used for bedding or cage
lining. Recent fires, including a 2002 four-alarm fire in Manhattan, a
2006 fire in Queens county, and a 2008 three-alarm fire in the Bronx
killed hundreds of animals and put hundreds more firefighters, store
employees, and civilians in harms-way as they rushed into pet stores to
save yelping and crying animals from burning to death. For instance, the
2006 fire in Queens County resulted in the death of hundreds of animals
in cruel and terrifying conditions, with eleven firefighters withstand-
ing injuries. This bill can help to prevent these unnecessary tragedies.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019:S.3078A- Passed the Senate.
2020:S.3078A- Reported to 3rd reading calendar.
2021:S.3835 -Referred To Agriculture
2022:S.3835 -Referred To Agriculture
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill shall take effect one year after it becomes a law, with
provisions.