The New York State Bar Association (“NYSBA”) Committee on Animals and the Law (“CAL”) has developed a helpful pamphlet summarizing New York animal law (including both farm animal and companion animal law). It is available online here.
In addition to farm animal cruelty statutes previously discussed on this blog, the pamphlet shines light on two companion animal laws here in New York that are worth noting. First of all, since the weather is getting warmer, please remember that companion animals cannot be left in motor vehicles during extreme hot (or cold) temperatures without proper ventilation. See N.Y. Agric. & Mkts. section 353-d. If an animal is in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury then a police officer or a duly incorporated animal society can take necesssary steps to remove the animal from the vehicle. Many states like New York have similar prohibitions so it is important to keep in mind when traveling during the summer months. (I hope to roadtrip to Texas next month with my dog, Taylor). Remember to crack the window when running a “quick errand.”
Second, as the pamphlet notes that there is a “Pet Law” in New York City and Westchester County that allows New Yorkers to keep pets in their apartments, co-ops and condos even if there is a prohibition against pets (e.g., “no pet” clause in the lease). More specifically, a New Yorker can keep his/her companion animal if the landlord fails within three months of his knowledge of a tenant’s pet to enforce the “no pet” prohibition. Our friends across the Hudson River aren’t so lucky.
In addition to reviewing the pamphlet, I also recommend reviewing my New York farm animal law outline.