Images of cats and dogs with the text The Humane Society of New York Since 1904

Custody

  • A. 269 Allows courts to consider the well-being of a companion animal when awarding possession in proceedings commenced by individuals who have resided with the companion animal. A law was recently enacted in NY to require courts to consider the best interests of companion animals in divorce and legal separation proceedings. A. 3724 would extend this right to unmarried people who resided together with an animal.

Contact Your Representatives

To help take action on any of these or other animal protection bills pending before the NYS Legislature, use the methods below to reach lawmakers.

  1. Your Assembly member and New York State Senator

    If you do not know their names or contact information, go to www.nyassembly.gov  and www.nysenate.gov. If you provide your address, you can get this information. In your communication, mention that you are a constituent and include your address.

  2. Senate and Assembly Leadership

    Name: Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Majority Leader
    Phone: (518)455-2585
    Email: scousins@nysenate.gov
    Fax: (518)426-6811;
    Address: Room 907, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247

    Name: Carl E. Heastie, Assembly Speaker
    Phone: (518)455-3791
    Email: speaker@nyassembly.gov
    Fax: (518)455-4812
    Address: Room 932, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248