NY S05017

Prohibits the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets from issuing new licenses and requires immediate suspension of existing licenses for establishments where animals and fowls are slaughtered or butchered for food

Applies specifically to live poultry and small animal slaughterhouses that are open to the public, not to other types of facilities

Establishes a seven-member task force to examine public health risks and animal welfare concerns at previously licensed slaughterhouse facilities

Task force members must have expertise in infectious diseases and zoonotic disease transmission, and must include at least one animal welfare organization representative and one licensed veterinarian not employed by a government agency

Task force must complete its examination and submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and legislative leaders within one year of its first meeting, which must occur within 30 days of member appointments