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| A new proposal would obligate New York residents to undergo training before adopting a shelter cat or dog. |
New York State Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington introduced a bill last month that would strengthen cruelty laws and attempt to reduce incidents of animal cruelty in an effort to ensure the humane treatment of animals in the state, according to the proposal.
Proposed changes include requiring those who adopt a cat or dog from a shelter to complete a training program before receiving the pet. The program would teach people how to properly care for a cat or dog and inform the new owners of the penalties associated with animal cruelty charges. The training would be required for adults and children ages 6 and older.
The bill also calls for additional penalties and court-ordered psychiatric analysis for those convicted of animal cruelty and seeks to change the social service law so that those who are required to report child abuse are also required to report incidents of animal abuse.
The bill would amend the state’s Agriculture and Markets Law and has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture where members will decide whether the state assembly should vote on the issue.