The New York Assembly Agriculture Committee is considering a bill on Tuesday, February 9, that would clarify current law regarding minimum standards for dogs kept in outdoor shelters.
Current law already provides minimum requirements for dogs kept outdoors in inclement weather and extreme temperatures. Assembly Bill 7033 contains reasonable clarifications to these requirements that would protect dogs kept outdoors and ensure they are kept in humane conditions and protected from the elements, including:
- Clarifying that shade must be easily accessible and sufficient to cover the dog’s entire body when exposure to sunlight is likely to threaten the health of the dog. If there are multiple dogs restrained in a common area, the shade must provide sufficient shade for all dogs.
- Clarifying that the mandatory waterproof roof already required for dogs kept outside in inclement weather must cover enough of the facility to completely cover the dog.
- Requiring that shelters for dogs left outside in inclement weather have flooring made of solid material (excluding sections of metal cages) with enough area to allow a dog to lie down with limbs fully extended.
- Requiring that shelters for dogs left outside in inclement weather have four enclosed sides, including an entrance with a flap, and be of appropriate size to allow the build-up of natural body heat in cold temperatures.
- Prohibiting dogs being left outdoors if there is imminent danger of death or serious physical injury due to the weather unless the dog has access to a building (such as a residence, office, etc.) of the owner or person who has custody or control of the dog, unless the outdoor shelter has sufficient protection for dogs in extreme temperatures.
The AKC strongly believes that all dogs should be treated in a humane manner and should never be left in conditions where their health and safety are jeopardized. Assembly Bill 7033 provides reasonable clarifications to protect dogs without imposing undue and unnecessary restrictions on responsible dog owners and sportsmen.
What you can do:
- Contact the Assembly Agriculture Committee regarding Assembly Bill 7033. Visit the NY Assembly Agriculture Committee contact page and click on the members’ names to obtain the contact information for each committee member.
- Contact your State Assemblymember regarding Assembly Bill 7033. Type your address in the “Find Your Elected Officials” box in the AKC Legislative Action Center to find the name and contact information for your State Assemblyperson.
For questions or more information, contact AKC Government Relations at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.
The New York Assembly Agriculture Committee is considering a bill on Tuesday, February 9, that would clarify current law regarding minimum standards for dogs kept in outdoor shelters. Assembly Bill 7033 contains reasonable clarifications to these requirements that would protect dogs kept outdoors and ensure they are kept in humane conditions and protected from the elements.