Last night, the New York Assembly adjourned, officially ending the New York 2025 legislation session with many positive results for dogs and dog owners in the state:
- Hobby Breeder Licensing/Commercial Regulations Did Not Advance:
Thanks to the partnership with the NY Federation, Associated Dog Clubs of New York State (ADCNYS) and the many hobbyists who took the time to contact their lawmakers, the bills that would have forced home-based breeders to be regulated as commercial entities (S. 8252/A. 8653) did not advance.
AKC thanks ADCNYS and all who joined AKC in taking action on these bills to protect the ability of responsible dog owners to humanely raise dogs in a home-based environment in the state.
- Renters Protected from Breed Discrimination in Insurance:We are also pleased with the passage of legislation passed that will provide new protections to dog owners seeking renter’s insurance in the state. Senate Bill 364/Assembly Bill 893 supported by AKC prohibits insurance companies from canceling or denying policies or raising insurance rates on renter’s insurance based solely on the breed of dog the policyholder chooses to own.State law already provides this protection for homeowner’s insurance. AKC believes that providing similar protections to renters will further protect the rights of responsible dog owners, while still holding all dog owners accountable, regardless of the breed they choose to own.
- Debarking Ban Does Not Advance:
Bills banning the practice known as “debarking” or “bark softening” passed the Senate but were ultimately held in the Assembly.
AKC opposed the portion of the legislation that restricted the rights of responsible dog owners to make viable, safe decisions for their pets in conjunction with veterinarians. AKC supported the provision that banned non-veterinarians from performing these procedures.
Although the legislature is adjourned, it is always possible the governor could recall them later this year. Regardless, we expect a number of similar bills impacting dogs, hobbyists and exhibitors to be introduced again next session.
AKC and the Associated Dog Clubs of New York State will continue to monitor legislative issues in New York impacting dogs. For questions or more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.