fbpx

New York Governor Signs Small Animal Care Bill

Pet Age Staff//December 23, 2015//

New York Governor Signs Small Animal Care Bill

Pet Age Staff //December 23, 2015//

Listen to this article

Governor Cuomo signed into law SB 5946, which amends Article 26 (Miscellaneous) of the NY General Business Laws and requires pet dealers to provide access to digital or written instructions on the care of all small animals sold.

The instructions will be obtained from sources including, but not limited to, state or national veterinary professional associations, reptile associations or pet industry organizations and will include information on housing, sanitation, feeding and watering, handling and veterinary care.

Pet dealers will also have to file annual copies of these instructions with the Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The legislation defines “small animal” as any small mammal, including but not limited to, hamsters, chinchillas, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, mice, rats, ferrets and small amphibians or reptiles to include frogs, snakes and lizards. Dogs and cats are not included in this definition.

Feeder animals are not included in these requirements.