BILL NUMBER: S5674
SPONSOR: FERNANDEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to prohib-
iting ear clipping and tail docking of dogs unless deemed medically
necessary to protect the life or health of the dog
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
To prohibit the ear clipping and tail docking of dogs and cats unless
deemed medically necessary to protect the life or health of.the dog or
cat.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Subdivision 1 of section 365 of the agriculture and markets
law, as amended by chapter 458 of the laws of 1985, is amended to estab-
lish that ear clipping of a dog or cat is only permitted when a licensed
veterinarian deems it medically necessary to protect the life or health
of the dog or cat.
Section 2: The agriculture and markets law is amended by adding a new
section 365-a that will make the docking, or alteration, of dog or cat
tails or the assisting thereof - unlawful and punishable with a misde-
meanor and a fine of no more than $500, unless deemed medically neces-
sary to protect the life or health of the dog or cat by a licensed
veterinarian. Such provisions will not apply to persons whose dog or cat
had been certified as having been docked before the date of August 1,
2021.
Section 3: This act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The docking of dog and tails and ear clipping has recently become a
cosmetic process some owners undertake, according to the American Veter-
inary medical Association. Similarly, cat tails are sometimes docked by
breeders to conform with certain breed standards. Licensed professionals
are vehemently against both actions since they are extremely painful to
the animal and there is no real reason to do it. We must take steps to
prevent such animal cruelty, unless deemed absolutely necessary by a
licensed veterinarian.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
A3339 of 2021-2022: (Fernandez) referred to agriculture / No same as
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5674: 365 agriculture and markets law, 365(1) agriculture and markets law