2026 New York State Legislative Update – Action Alert

Wild animals, such as wild cats, bears, primates, and kangaroos, suffer psychologically and physically when used in traveling acts. They are continuously confined, are subjected to cruel training, and are forced to perform acts that are totally unnatural to their species. Many states and municipalities, including New York City, have recognized that wild animal performances present serious humane and public safety concerns and have already passed laws to ban the use of wild animals in traveling acts. Federal laws are inadequate as they contain only minimal standards and allow wild animals to be constantly confined, transported, and exploited for exhibition.

Breed discrimination against tenants with well-behaved dogs places tenants in the untenable position of having to choose between their homes and their dogs. Such policies also contribute to the overpopulation of homeless animals. This bill extends existing law which is applicable to homeowners’ insurance policies. Worth noting is that New York has long recognized that a dog’s breed should not be used in determining whether a dog should be considered dangerous and prohibits municipalities from adopting programs that regulate dogs in a manner that is specific as to breed.

Research has consistently demonstrated that people are less likely to evacuate during emergencies if they cannot bring their animals with them. To this end, there needs to be temporary housing available that will accept people and their pets. This legislation protects our residents and animals who should not be left behind. We saw what happened during Hurricane Katrina so many years ago with animals being abandoned and people losing track of their rescued animals. We should not allow this to ever happen again.

We must not allow octopus farming to be established in New York. It is extremely cruel to confine octopuses. They are intelligent and solitary animals. Confinement in crowded conditions leads to stress, injury, and death. Slaughtering methods have been terribly inhumane, including clubbing, slicing, asphyxiation, and chilling. There is also documentation regarding environmental harm that octopus farming can cause.

There is a need for sheltered housing assistance for domestic violence victims and their companion animals and for people who are experiencing homelessness with their companion animals. People are often confronted with remaining homeless or remaining in an abusive situation to avoid giving up their animal. The toolkit will encourage the implementation of shelter programs to accommodate people and their animals.