NY S03707

Allows impounding organizations to file petitions for security deposits from defendants with pending animal cruelty charges either upon issuance of an appearance ticket or within a reasonable time thereafter, rather than only at arraignment.

Permits service of petition documents by certified mail to the defendant's address when the petition is filed after issuance of an appearance ticket but before arraignment.

Requires courts to hold hearings on security petitions within ten business days of filing and allows courts to appoint counsel to defendants who lack representation if they are otherwise eligible for appointed counsel.

Specifies that security amounts must cover reasonable expenses for animal care and boarding for at least thirty days, determined by the court based on facts and circumstances of the case.

Takes effect ninety days after becoming law.