NY A10234

Expands the definition of improper animal care to include lack of necessary shelter, veterinary, farrier, and species- or breed-specific care when authorizing seizure of animals on private premises.

Allows officers to seize multiple animals from a person when any single animal is seized for noncompliance with care standards, with seized animals subject to return only after a court hearing within ten business days.

Requires that security posted for animal care expenses cover all seized animals and clarifies refund eligibility to only exceed actual expenses incurred beyond what would have occurred without seizure.

Establishes that return of seized animals upon acquittal or dismissal applies to all charges, except where dismissal is via adjournment in contemplation of dismissal or where a person is convicted of violations regarding any animal in a multi-animal case.

Changes unannounced inspection authority from discretionary ("may") to mandatory ("shall") upon court application, and requires inspections comply with care standards in subdivision two rather than general food, water, and shelter provisions.