NY S04073

Requires anesthesia and a licensed veterinarian to perform ear clipping on dogs, permitted only when deemed medically necessary to protect the dog's life or health.

Makes ear clipping without meeting these requirements a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Prohibits tail docking or alteration of a dog's tail except when a licensed veterinarian deems it medically necessary to protect the dog's life or health.

Makes unauthorized tail docking a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.

Exempts dogs whose tails were docked, cut, or altered prior to August 1, 2020, and their owners or possessors from the tail docking prohibition.