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NY A00740

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/8/2025

Primary Sponsor

Linda Rosenthal

Click for details

Origin

Assembly

2025-2026 General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Authorizes courts to issue temporary orders requiring one party to care for a companion animal during divorce or legal separation proceedings, with such interim orders having no impact on the final ownership determination

  • Allows courts to assign sole or joint ownership of companion animals in divorce and legal separation cases, taking into consideration the well-being of the animal rather than treating it solely as property

  • Extends the same provisions to any civil proceeding where companion animal ownership is disputed between parties who have both resided with the animal

  • Defines "companion animal" by reference to existing Agriculture and Markets Law section 350, subdivision 5

  • Takes effect 30 days after becoming law

Legislative Description

Allows a court to determine legal ownership of a companion animal, taking into consideration the well-being of the companion animal, during proceedings for dissolution of marriage, legal separation and proceedings commenced by individuals who have both resided with the companion animal.

Last Action

referred to judiciary

1/7/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/8/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available