Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-Rotterdam) are again working together across party lines for common sense legislation to get things done for the people they represent.

Today, at the Saratoga County Public Safety Building in Ballston Spa, Santabarbara and Tedisco announced the “NYS Safe Pet Boarding Act,” (S.8510) in response to a growing epidemic of animal cruelty cases in our area and to seize the opportunity to strengthen protections by creating clear, consistent oversight for pet boarding facilities which have recently come to light with the deaths of 21 dogs at a boarder in Argyle and the death of the French Bulldog named “Gus” at “A Time for Paws” in Halfmoon. And just this past Friday, three people who worked at a dog boarding facility in Altamont called “Meadowdale Acres” were charged with failure to provide proper sustenance and animal cruelty charges in the death of a 2-year-old pit bull mix named Diesel.

“What we have right now in New York State is the ‘Wild West’ of animal care laws and that’s led to one terrible tragedy after another. Enough is enough! I am proud to work in a bipartisan, non-partisan way with Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara to sponsor the NYS Safe Pet Boarding Act to bring some order, unification and common sense to our animal care laws by ensuring appropriate standards of care and state oversight of these facilities so we can root out any bad actors and allow the many good ones to flourish,” said Senator Tedisco. “The deaths of the 21 dogs in Argyle, Gus the French Bulldog in Halfmoon and Diesel in Altamont are heartbreaking and should never have happened – and in terms of a deluge of animal cruelty cases we’ve seen, they’re just the tip of the iceberg as to what’s going on.  Families deserve the comfort of knowing and peace of mind that when they leave their beloved pets at a doggy day care or boarding facility, they will be cared for like the loving family members they are and not left to suffer and die,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

“These heartbreaking stories remind us that pets are not just animals – they are members of our families,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “The Safe Pet Boarding Act provides an opportunity to respond with responsibility and leadership, setting safeguards that prevent neglect and protect the trust families place in boarding facilities. With this legislation, we can take meaningful steps forward, ensuring dignity for pets and peace of mind for the people who love them.”

Tedisco and Santabarbara’s NYS Safe Pet Boarding Act would set some minimum standards at the state level for oversight of doggy day care and boarding facilities. Currently, it’s up to local governments to regulate these facilities and enforce any violations.

The NYS Safe Pet Boarding Act would:

• Establish state licensing of all commercial boarding facilities.
• Enable random inspections from NYS Ag & Markets.
• Ensure facilities have adequate space to house animals to prevent overcrowding and always have proper ventilation and temperature control, including back-up procedures if the air conditioning or heating goes off.
• Proper daily nutrition and ready access to clean water for animals residing at the facilities.
• Require animal care training standards for all staff.
• Maintain vaccination record of dogs in facility.
• Require full transparency by having the state produce and post online an annual Report Card of licensed boarding facilities that’s accessible to the public.
• Licensed veterinary practices that operate boarding facilities are exempted from this bill as they are already under state oversight.

Violations of the law could result in fines, suspension and loss of state license to operate as a business. Any violation that uncovers harm to an animal could be referred to law enforcement for criminal prosecution.

Tedisco and Santabarbara noted that the FBI has animal cruelty as a top tier Group A offense in its crime reporting statistics due to it being a bridge crime and those that harm animals can and often go on to hurt humans.

“There’s no question we are seeing an epidemic of animal cruelty cases in our area. What happened at A Time for Paws boarding facility in Halfmoon may not have happened if there was a proper system of state oversight in place. I strongly support Senator Tedisco and Assemblyman Santabarbara’s ‘Safe Pet Boarding Act’ legislation and efforts to close these loopholes and protect our four-legged family members as well as their human family members from harm,” said Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo.

“On August 24th, 21 beloved dogs lost their lives, leaving families with empty homes and broken hearts. To honor them and prevent another tragedy, we must pass the ‘Safe Pet Boarding Act,’ which will set proper guidelines and regulations—because pets are never mere property; they are an inseparable part of our families,” said Cody Shields of Argyle, who lost his three dogs Brutus, Hilda and Loki at the Anastasia Acres Boarding Facility in Argyle.

“The recent deaths of these innocent pets by the hands of the people who we are supposed to trust has been disgusting. These animals are our family members. And every family deserves the right to expect their pets to be taken care of when utilizing these services. Our family has been heartbroken by the loss of Gus. Knowing that Senator Tedisco, Assemblyman Santabarbara, other elected officials, law enforcement and the public are demanding change, has aided in our healing, and for that we are thankful,” said Katie Levy, whose French Bulldog, Gus, died at A Time for Paws boarding facility in Halfmoon.

“We’ve seen a sickening increase in animal cruelty cases at boarding kennels. This must be addressed. I’m proud to co-sponsor the Safe Pet Boarding Act, so we can crack down on these unacceptable situations at kennels and help prevent further animal abuse,” said Senator Dan Stec (R,C-Queensbury).

“We’ve seen a troubling rise in animal abuse cases across the Capital Region and North Country, and it’s more important than ever to support strong, coordinated action at both the local and state levels. I’m proud to join this bipartisan group of legislators to call for stronger protections, and increased oversight, as well as to ensure that every facility entrusted with animal care is held to the highest standards of safety and accountability. Compassion and responsibility are not partisan values, they are the minimum that we owe to those who cannot speak for themselves,” said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston).

“What occurred in Argyle with the harrowing loss of 21 beloved dogs and the near fatal loss of another was nothing short of an absolute tragedy that never should have happened.  We simply can’t stand idle and allow for this to happen again. Hopefully, through introducing this bill, we will have taken the first steps towards the prevention of another heartbreaking loss to families in the future,” said Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack).

“The requirement of health and safety inspections for kennels and boarding houses will provide a level of comfort for customers their beloved pet is cared for in a proper manner,” said Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett. “We support a state animal abuser registry and the inspections, but in the interim Saratoga County and Clifton Park are implementing these respective measures now.”

“This bill proposes common sense and long overdue regulations for animal boarding facilities. The licensing requirements, staff training requirements, and requirements for the care of animals will help provide animal owners peace of mind that their pet is being properly taken care of while at the licensed facility. This legislation is needed in light of the recent cases in the Capital Region,” said Acting Saratoga County District Attorney Jennifer Buckley.

“When considering the number of boarding facilities throughout New York State it was surprising to learn that there are no regulations and thus no guidance for current or prospective businesses outside of New York City.  This should help both the business owners and pet owners know that the facilities are designed and run appropriately,” said Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan.

“The heartbreaking loss of 21 innocent dogs due to a lack of air conditioning in an animal shelter in our county is a stark reminder that neglect can be deadly. We must work together and honor their lives by passing legislation that ensures all shelters maintain safe, climate-controlled environments—so no animal suffers needlessly again,” said Washington County Sheriff Jeff Murphy.