New York Assembly Bill A01987

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Provides for the humane treatment and removal of downed animals.

Summary

Bill A01987 seeks to amend the agriculture and markets law in New York to establish regulations regarding the treatment of downed animals, which are defined as cattle, sheep, goats, or swine that are unable to stand and walk unassisted. The bill prohibits the buying, selling, or receiving of downed animals or their products for human consumption. It also mandates that any downed animal must be humanely euthanized or removed for veterinary treatment immediately upon being identified as downed. Furthermore, it outlines specific methods for the humane euthanization of these animals and stipulates that they must not be dragged or pushed during transit or while on the premises of relevant facilities.

Impact

The passage of this bill would significantly impact the agricultural and livestock industries in New York by enforcing stricter humane treatment standards for downed animals. It would amend existing laws to ensure that downed animals are not subjected to inhumane treatment and are either euthanized humanely or treated by a veterinarian. This could lead to increased operational costs for slaughterhouses and dealers due to the need for compliance with the new regulations, potentially affecting the supply chain and pricing of livestock products.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill A01987 appears to be supportive among animal welfare advocates who view it as a necessary step towards improving the treatment of livestock. However, there may be concerns from agricultural stakeholders regarding the implications for their operations and the potential economic impact of the new regulations. As of now, there have been no recorded votes or formal committee discussions, which may indicate that the bill is still in the early stages of consideration.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the agricultural community, particularly among slaughterhouses and livestock dealers who may argue that the regulations could impose undue burdens on their operations. There may also be differing opinions on what constitutes humane treatment and euthanization methods, as well as the economic implications of enforcing these new standards. However, animal rights groups are likely to strongly support the bill, advocating for the humane treatment of animals.