BILL NUMBER: S558
SPONSOR: KRUEGER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to nonambu-
latory animals
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
This bill provides for the humane treatment of nonambulatory domestic
animals with respect to transport, veterinary care, and euthanasia.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill amends the Agriculture and Markets Law by adding
a new § 357-a to provide that no individual shall transport or hold,
buy, sell, give, receive, or market a nonambulatory animal for human or
animal consumption.
A nonambulatory animal is defined as any domestic animal that is raised
for commercial or subsistence purposes and that is unable to stand and
walk without assistance.
The section also defines terms including 'humanely euthanize' which
Includes that chemical means may be used in an overdose concentration-
that immediately renders the animal unconscious until death.
However, a nonambulatory animal may be temporarily held or humanely
transported, where the animal becomes nonambulatory on the property of a
farmer who has bred or raised the animal, for the purposes of adminis-
tering veterinary treatment. A nonambulatory animal must be handled
humanely and at no time shall the animal be dragged, pushed with a trac-
tor, forklift or other equipment.
Any individual who violates the provisions of this section shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of not more than one
year or by a fine of not more than $2500, or by both. The commissioner
shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of
this section.
Section 2 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This proposal would amend the Agriculture and Markets law to provide
that a nonambulatory 'downed" animal be given appropriate veterinary
care or be humanely euthanized. All too often downed animals are left to
suffer until it is convenient to take them to slaughter. In many cases,
the animals die of neglect or are moved by the easiest but least humane
ways. Often they are dragged or pushed with tractors and forklifts which
may cause additional injuries ranging from bruises and abrasions to torn
ligaments and broken bones. This legislation would ensure the humane
treatment of animals while they are being transported to a slaughter-
house or auction. Animals that are unable to walk due to illness or
injury endure extreme pain and suffering, which becomes even more acute
when they are inhumanely transported.
In addition to the important humane facets of this proposal, it is
important to note that this legislation prevents the nonambulatory
animal from entering the nations food supply.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2005-2006: S.5735/.NSA Agriculture comm.
2007-2008: S.3352/A.10564- Englebright Ag Comm
2009-2010: S.751/A.5512-Englebright Ag Comm
2011-2012: S.427/A.4615-Englebright Ag Comm
2013-2014: S.3439A/A.5490A- Englebright AG Comm
2015-2016: S.2783/A.2222 -Englebright Ag Comm
2017-2018: S.4169/A.6613-Englebright Ag Comm
2019-2020: S.2724B/A.5711A- Englebright DomesticAnimal Welfare
2021-2022: S.939 - Ag Comm
2023-2024: S.590 - Ag Comm
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the 120th day after it shall have become a
law.