BILL NUMBER: S7723
SPONSOR: MURRAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to requir-
ing the commissioner of agriculture and markets to establish licensing
and educational standards for individuals providing canine training for
non-service and non-police dogs
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To require the commissioner of agriculture and markets to establish
licensing and educational standards for individuals providing canine
training for non-service and non-police dogs.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the agriculture and markets law by adding a new section
113a requiring the commissioner to establish licensing and educational
standards for individuals providing basic canine obedience training;
states that this bill does not apply to select canines, particularly
service or police dogs; establishes that any person convicted of a crime
against animals is not eligible to receive licensing; promulgates the
requirements and standards a licensee must continue to meet in order to
remain licensed; sets forth means of enforcement; establishes penalties
for violations of this act.
Section 2 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently there is no uniform standard in New York State for individuals
who work as or identify themselves as dog trainers. This bill estab-
lishes a set of guidelines and educational standards for licensing, to
be determined by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets. The bill
emphasizes the standards set forth by Agriculture and Markets must
utilize humane and non-aversive techniques in their methods of training.
Individuals who have been convicted against crimes against animals are
not eligible for licensing or certification under this act. This bill
also sets forth penalties for individuals who violate this act, aiming
to prevent unlicensed dog trainers from practicing in New York State. By
creating a pathway for certification and licensing, we will ensure that
any canine trainer in New York State will be highly qualified and
utilizing best practices.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.