Senator Ken LaValle announced that legislation he co-sponsored to increase protections for pets was signed into law yesterday. The measure prohibits the unnecessary piercing and tattooing of cats, dogs, and all other pets for purely cosmetic purposes for the pleasure of the owner, except under limited circumstances. Those who violate the law will be subject to criminal penalties. New York has become the nation’s leader in safeguarding our domestic animals.
The new law will prohibit the piercing or tattooing of all pets, including cats and dogs, to protect the animals from unnecessary harm. It allows the use of piercing and tattooing in only limited circumstances, such as ear tags on rabbits, tattoos for identification purposes only, or where the piercing provides a medical benefit to the animal and is performed by or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
A violation of the law is punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed 15 days and/or a fine not to exceed $250. The law will take effect in 120 days from December 14, 2014.
For more detailed information concerning the legislation, visit: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S6769C-2013
Source: Press release issued by the Office of Senator LaValle, Dec. 16.
