NY S04912

Creates a new licensing requirement for animal breeders (dogs and cats) who breed three or more animals per year for profit, with annual fees of $100 ($25 for breeders selling fewer than 25 animals annually).

Establishes minimum care standards including housing specifications, sanitation, feeding/watering, humane handling, and veterinary care, with inspections required at six-month intervals by a licensed veterinarian.

Requires breeders to maintain records of all animals acquired and sold for two years, including source information, descriptions, and buyer details; prohibits selling animals under eight weeks of age.

Permits Commissioner of Agriculture to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses for material misstatements, violations of animal care standards, or animal cruelty convictions, with judicial review available.

Preempts local breeder regulations while preserving municipal enforcement of general business laws; exempts not-for-profit humane societies and requires pet dealers to source only from licensed breeders; establishes a breeder licensing fund for enforcement, effective April 1, 2023.