Animal Cruelty

Print icon Print

Animal Cruelty

It is against the law to cause or permit unjustified harm, pain, or suffering to animals.

Reporting Animal Cruelty in NYC

You can report neglect or abuse of any animal in the City. Call 311 or make a report online to connect to your local police precinct to report animal cruelty. Please call 911 to report crimes in progress.

While you can make an anonymous report, contact information can aid in follow-up and potential prosecution. When making a report via NYC311 Online, you will have the option of uploading files, including photos, videos, and documents.

You can also submit information anonymously by calling the Crime Stoppers tip line at 800-577-TIPS, or submitting a tip online.

The ASPCA provides information on how to recognize animal abuse and neglect.

What Are the Animal Cruelty Laws in New York State?

New York State Agriculture and Markets Law (Chapter 69, Article 26) defines animal cruelty as a situation where a person causes unjustified harm, pain, or suffering to an animal or neglects an animal's care by not providing it with proper food, water, medical care, or suitable shelter.

Among several other provisions, the Ag. and Markets Law makes it illegal to:

  • Engage in animal fighting (§ 351)
  • Overdrive, torture and injure animals; fail to provide proper sustenance (§ 353) (Note, "proper sustenance" may include reasonable veterinary care)
  • Engage in aggravated cruelty to animals (§ 353-a)
  • Fail to provide appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors (§ 353-b)
  • Abandon animals (§ 355)
  • Fail to provide food and drink to an impounded animal (animals must be provided "a sufficient supply of good and wholesome air, food, shelter and water") (§ 356)
  • Poison or attempt to poison animals (§ 360)
  • Throw substances injurious to animals, such as glass, nails or pieces of metal, in public places (§ 362)
  • Declaw cats unless medically necessary (§ 381)

New York State Penal Law (Part 3, Title H, Section 130.20) addresses sexual conduct with an animal. The New York City Bar also notes that "many of [the Penal Law's] general provisions apply in animal cases.

Per New York State Education Law (Chapter 16, Title 8, Article 135, § 6714), veterinarians must report suspected animal cruelty.

Who Enforces Animal Cruelty Laws in New York City?

  • NYPD enforces animal cruelty laws, and New Yorkers should contact their local precinct for assistance.
  • Precincts forward cases that require further investigation to NYPD's Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (ACIS), an investigative unit under the Detective Bureau.
  • The NYPD works closely with the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), which does not have enforcement powers, on cruelty cases. As the ASPCA notes on their website, the organization provides "critical support including forensic evaluations, medical treatment, behavior assessments, housing and placement, as well as backup legal support and training."
  • When not pursuing a criminal case, NYPD may refer certain situations to the ASPCA Community Engagement team, which can provide resources to help owners maintain a safe and healthy environment for their pets.
  • As a law enforcement agency, NYPD is bound by certain protocols and legal constraints.
    • NYPD does not disclose information on ongoing investigations to the general public, nor discuss case details with parties not directly involved. This is to ensure the integrity of the investigation and to protect the rights of all parties involved.
    • NYPD cannot remove animals from their owners without due process, regardless of how the situation may appear. In New York State, animals are legally considered property and are protected under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Animal Abuse Registry

  • New York City residents convicted of an animal abuse crime must register with the Animal Abuse Registry.
  • Anyone required to register is prohibited from owning, possessing, residing with, having custody of, or intentionally engaging in any physical contact with any animal.
  • The registration period lasts for five years after sentencing or, if incarcerated, for five years after release from incarceration.
  • Employees of certain animal-related businesses or organizations are required to check the registry and refuse to sell or transfer ownership of an animal to anyone listed. (The registry is not available to the general public).

Animal Cruelty Prevention

The ASPCA Community Engagement (CE) program helps low-income New Yorkers who are struggling to afford pet care maintain a safe and healthy environment for their pets. Agencies and members of the public can make referrals by emailing referrals@aspca.org. The CE team—which may be able to provide free or partially subsidized resources such as medical care, basic grooming, and dog houses—will then reach out to the client to let them know if/how they can assist.

Quick Links/More Information