Private animal shelters in New York will be required to register with the state beginning in September, thanks to a new law intended to improve the lives of cats and all animals waiting to be adopted.
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Senate Bill S5599/Assembly Bill A7195 into law on August 15. Private animal shelters, rescue organizations, and other nonprofits that adopt out animals will now have to be licensed and inspected by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Organizations that fail to comply with the law would be fined between $100 and $1,000.
The measure, which Alley Cat Allies supported when it was introduced in April, will increase oversight, shelter transparency, and accountability, which will help to ensure the well-being of the animals in their care.
We are delighted that New York moved to strengthen laws that will protect and improve the lives of its shelter animals.
Read about other recent legislative victories for cats and all animals.