NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
 
BILL NUMBER: A8058B
SPONSOR: Rosenthal
 
TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the general business law, in relation
to requiring pet dealers to provide instructions on the care of small
animals
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of the bill is to ensure that new pet owners are provided
with written, detailed instructions on the care of small animals at the
time of their purchase from a dealer.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends section 391 of the general business law by
adding a new section 391-t. Subdivision 1 defines "small animal" as any
small mammal, excluding dogs or cats, including but not limited to
hamsters, chinchillas, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, mice, rats,
ferrets, as well as any small amphibians or reptiles, including but not
limited to frogs, snakes and lizards. Subdivision 2 provides that every
pet dealer, as defined in section 400 of AGM law, shall deliver written,
or digital access to, instructions on the care of a small animal to a
purchaser. The instructions shall be obtained from sources including,
but not limited to, state or national: veterinary professional associ-
ations, reptile associations, or pet industry organizations, and shall
include information on housing, sanitation, feeding and watering, handl-
ing and veterinary care. Subdivision 3 states that this section does not
apply to selling feeder animals. Subdivision 4 requires the pet seller
to file a copy of the instructions annually with the Dept. of Agricul-
ture and Markets.
Section 2 provides for this act to take effect on the ninetieth day
after it shall have become law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
When purchasing a small animal as a pet many new owners are not aware of
the full extent of associated responsibilities that go with taking care
of such animals. Small animals have varied nutritional and physical
needs, which may be unfamiliar to a new owner. For example, both guinea
pigs and rabbits have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts that require
special attention be paid to feeding and nutrition, while hamsters are
prone to 'wet tail' disease at a young age. To ensure that recently
purchased small animals receive the proper nutrition and healthcare
required, new pet owners shall be provided detailed instructions
obtained from a veterinarian organization.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become law.