New York Assembly Bill A00668

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Pertains to confinement of animals for food producing purposes; prohibits any person to tether or confine any pig during pregnancy, calf raised for veal, or egg-laying hen who is kept on a farm for all or the majority of any day in a manner that prevents such animal from lying down, standing up and fully extending its limbs and turning around freely; establishes that commission of such crime shall constitute a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed one year and/or fine not to exceed $1,000.

Summary

Bill A00668 seeks to amend the agriculture and markets law in New York to prohibit the confinement of certain farm animals, specifically pigs during pregnancy, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens, in a manner that restricts their ability to lie down, stand up, extend their limbs, and turn around freely. The bill defines key terms related to animal confinement and establishes that violations of this law would be classified as a class A misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The bill also allows for local laws to provide for the humane treatment of farm animals, as long as they do not conflict with the state law.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly change the legal framework surrounding the treatment of farm animals in New York. It would establish new standards for the confinement of specific animals used in food production, potentially leading to increased operational costs for farmers and producers who would need to comply with these new regulations. The bill aims to enhance animal welfare and may encourage similar legislation in other states, influencing broader agricultural practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A00668 appears to be mixed, with proponents advocating for improved animal welfare standards and opponents expressing concerns about the potential economic impact on farmers and the agricultural industry. The lack of recorded votes or committee discussions suggests that the bill may still be under consideration or facing challenges in gaining support.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between animal welfare and agricultural productivity. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to prevent cruelty and improve the living conditions of farm animals, while opponents, including some farmers and agricultural groups, argue that the bill could impose undue burdens on their operations and lead to increased costs. The debate centers around the ethical treatment of animals versus the practical implications for food production.