Report on State legislation to improve and clarify the law related to licensing of dogs in NYC

SUMMARY

The Committee on Animal Law expressed support for A.2046/S.5048, which would permit New York City to set the amount it charges for dog licenses as well as charge higher fees for unsterilized dogs. Current dog licensing fees in the City do not cover the cost of issuing them. By allowing New York City to set its own fees, the City would be able to cover its costs of administering the licensing program and raise revenue necessary for programs relating to dogs and cats. The proposed legislation would also: 1) set fines for violating the license requirement; 2) provide that entities that are authorized to process dog license applications (such as pet stores) may receive 10% of the application fee; 3) transfer the enforcement of the law from the ASPCA to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; 4) allow applicants for a dog license to self-certify that a dog has been sterilized; and 5) establish certain uses of fees relating to dog licenses. The Committee recommended adding a requirement that the first purpose for the use of any funds raised through fines would be to establish, maintain or fund shelters for lost, stray or homeless animals, and that any remaining funds be used for purposes that are animal shelter-related.

Originally Issued August 2013; Reissued May 2014

BILL INFORMATION

A.2046 (AM Kavanagh) / S.5048 (Sen. Serrano) – relates to animal control and licensing of animals; relates to the better protection of lost and strayed animals and to securing the rights of owners thereof; relates to licensing of dogs in certain cities; relates to the animal population control fund (NYS 2013-14)

OUTCOME

Signed by the Governor, Chp. 485 – December 14, 2014