Requires a disclosure form for the surrender of a dog to a shelter, pound or dog protective association detailing the reasons for surrender and any aggressive tendencies of such dog.
Summary
This bill would require every pound, shelter, incorporated humane society, or similar dog protective association in New York to create a surrender disclosure form for owners who give up a dog. The form would ask why the dog is being surrendered, whether the dog has been declared dangerous, whether it has shown aggressive tendencies, whether it has ever bitten a person, and any other information the owner believes may be relevant to the dog’s future placement.
The bill also requires the receiving shelter or similar organization to keep the completed form and disclose it to prospective adoptive owners or anyone else who may shelter or harbor the dog after surrender. The measure would take effect 60 days after becoming law and would amend the Agriculture and Markets Law by adding a new disclosure requirement related to surrendered dogs.
Impact
The bill would add a new subdivision to section 117 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, creating a statewide disclosure and recordkeeping obligation for shelters, pounds, humane societies, and similar dog protective associations that accept surrendered dogs. It would not change ownership or liability rules directly, but it would require these entities to collect and share behavioral and background information that could affect adoption decisions, placement, and public safety considerations.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a practical animal welfare and public safety bill, with an emphasis on informing shelters and future caretakers about a dog’s history. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so no formal support or opposition can be identified from the transcript record. The overall tone of the proposal suggests a preventive, disclosure-oriented approach rather than a controversial policy shift.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the balance between transparency and administrative burden. Shelters and similar organizations may need to create and maintain new forms and ensure disclosure to adopters, while dog owners or advocates could be concerned about how subjective terms like “aggressive tendencies” are defined or how much weight the disclosed information will carry in placement decisions. Another possible issue is whether the required disclosures could discourage surrender or complicate rehoming for dogs with behavioral histories.
Same As
Requires a disclosure form for the surrender of a dog to a shelter, pound or dog protective association detailing the reasons for surrender and any aggressive tendencies of such dog.
Requires a disclosure form for the surrender of a dog to a shelter, pound or dog protective association detailing the reasons for surrender and any aggressive tendencies of such dog.
Requires a disclosure form for the surrender of a dog to a shelter, pound or dog protective association detailing the reasons for surrender and any aggressive tendencies of such dog.
Prohibits sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops; prohibits certain transactions between animal shelters, pounds, animal rescue organizations, and animal breeders or brokers; repeals "Pet Purchase Protection Act."
Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2023 This bill revises requirements concerning the sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities. Specifically, the bill revises the list of permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained (1) from a licensed dealer, (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements, (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year, or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Department of Agriculture. The requirements pertaining to sources apply to dogs and cats obtained through sales, donations, or offers. Monetary penalties are established for violations.