Albany Hasn't Passed a Companion Animal Welfare Bill Since 2024
Originally published in
The Scoop New York
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For three consecutive years — 2023, 2024 and 2025 — the New York Senate passed a bill to require landlords to inspect vacated properties within three days. The bill was intended to prevent precisely what happened to Harris’ dog, which is a not-uncommon occurrence, though it’s more often due to life-altering emergencies, or tenants lacking the financial resources to care for a pet, than a deliberate act of deadly cruelty.
In late July, The Scoop New York asked Dinowitz’s office why his committee fails to move so many animal welfare bills. There was no reply.
Scroll past the chart for the description and current status of each bill tracked by The Scoop New York in 2026. Barring a special session before the year is out, the New York State Legislature will reconvene in January.
S.9231 (Jessica Scarcella-Spanton)/A.6722 (Kay): Restores bail for felony aggravated animal cruelty. This bill is supported by reps from both major parties, as well as law enforcement and animal advocates.
Current status: Failed in Senate and Assembly codes committees, chaired by Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) and Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), respectively
Current status: Failed in Senate and Assembly codes committees, chaired by Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn) and Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx), respectively
S.7011 (Scarcella-Spanton)/A.7388 (Jake Blumencranz): “Peanut’s Law” would make it more difficult for state agencies to seize and immediately kill animals from animal sanctuaries.
Current status: Failed in Senate and Assembly environmental conservation committees, chaired by Peter Harckham and Deborah Glick, respectively
Current status: Failed in Senate and Assembly environmental conservation committees, chaired by Peter Harckham and Deborah Glick, respectively
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