NY S06966

Department of Agriculture and Markets must issue code red alerts for extreme heat (heat index 80°F or higher, or temperatures 85°F or higher) and code blue alerts for extreme cold (32°F or lower without precipitation, 40°F or lower with precipitation, or wind-chill 32°F or less for one hour or more).

Owners or guardians are prohibited from leaving companion animals unattended outside during code red or code blue alerts, or confined in vehicles without proper ventilation and climate control that could endanger the animal's life or health.

Animal control officers, dog control officers, and police officers are authorized to seize companion animals in violation of these provisions after issuing a warning, and may remove animals from properties or vehicles without locating the owner if necessary.

Violations are punishable by fines up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses.

The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law and requires police academies to include training on these provisions in their curriculums for police officers and animal control officers.