Senate Strengthens Protections for Domestic Animals
Ban On Manufacture and Sale of Animal Tested Cosmetics: S.4839B, sponsored by Senator Alessandra Biaggi, prohibits the sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. The sale or manufacture of such products will be punishable by a fine amounting up to but no more than $5,000 for the first violation, and no more than $1,000 per day if the offense continues.
Clarifies Aggravated Cruelty to Animals: S.960, sponsored by Senator Liz Krueger, eliminates the word “serious” from the “serious physical injury” language of the crime of aggravated cruelty to animals, to ensure appropriate penalties when a person intends to cause extreme physical pain to an animal, even if the animal makes a full recovery.
Abandoned Animal Property Inspections: S.4081A, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, requires landlords of vacated properties to inspect the property for abandoned animals within three days if they knew or should have known that the property had been vacated.
Puppy Mill Sales Ban: S.1130, sponsored by Senator Michael Gianaris, prohibits the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by retail pet shops. By creating a barrier against the puppy mill supply chain, the bill encourages pet shops to partner with local animal shelters to showcase animals available for adoption.
Insurance Discrimination by Dog Breed: This bill, S.8315A, sponsored by Senator Michael Gianaris, bars insurance companies from excluding, limiting, restricting, or reducing coverage on an insurance policy for homeowners based on the breed of dog they own.
Veterinarian Drug Information: S.1289B, sponsored by Senator John Brooks, requires veterinarians to provide more information to animal owners regarding the drugs dispensed to an animal. Such information includes the name and description of the drug, the directions for use, actions to be taken in the event of a missed dose, instructions for proper storage, any common reasonably anticipated adverse effects associated with the use of such drug, and manufacturer precautions and relevant warnings.
Big Five African Trophies Act: S.2814, sponsored by Senator Luis Sepulveda, bans the importation, transportation, and possession of certain African wildlife species and products. The five species include lions, leopards, elephants, black and white rhinos, and giraffes. All five species are facing extinction due to illegal poaching and trade.