Legislation S.4254/A.4075 Prohibits Insurers from Refusing to Issue or Renew, Cancel, or Charge or Impose an Increased Premium for Certain Policies Based Solely on the Breed of Dog Owned
Legislation S.5023A/A.5823-A Requires Veterinarians to Report Suspected Animal Cruelty
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package relating to animal welfare. Legislation S.4254/A.4075 prohibits insurers from refusing to issue or renew, cancel, or charge or impose an increased premium for certain policies based solely on the breed of dog owned. Legislation S.5023A/A.5823-A requires veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty.
“To own a pet is a blessing and we owe it to the animals of New York to keep them safe and healthy,” Governor Hochul said. “Dogs of all breeds deserve loving homes and no one should have to fear losing their insurance coverage based on the dog they own. In the same vein, veterinarians who see signs of abuse in their patients should be safeguarded so they can report said abuse to the proper authorities. I am proud to sign these bills into law to ensure the wellbeing of pets across the state.”
Legislation S.4254/A.4075 prevents insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners based on the breed of the dog that they own by prohibiting insurers from canceling, refusing to issue or renew, or charging higher premiums for homeowners’ insurance based on the breed of their dog.
Legislation S.5023A/S.5823-A mandates that veterinarians report suspected animal cruelty to appropriate authorities to investigate. This legislation also protects the identity of such veterinarians and allows veterinarians to receive a copy of any report generated. This legislation will ensure that those most likely to encounter animal cruelty and recognize its signs make timely reports to protect abused animals. At the same time, the new law will provide protection to these veterinarians by ensuring they can make reports confidentially and maintain records of these incidents.
According to Senator Michael Gianaris, “These new laws ensure our animals are treated with the dignity they deserve. Our four-legged friends are valued companions who are parts of our families and deserve to be respected. We have more work to do but these are important steps forward in the cause of animal rights.”
Bill Ketzer, senior director of state legislation for the ASPCA, Eastern Division, said, “We are so pleased that Governor Hochul has signed these two animal welfare bills into law, and especially grateful for the measure preventing insurance companies from overcharging or denying families coverage simply because they own a specific breed of dog. During a time of unprecedented housing challenges for New Yorkers, the cost and availability of insurance has become an even more onerous barrier to homeownership for families with pets. Removing this arbitrary and discriminatory impediment for thousands of responsible New York dog owners is simply the right thing to do. We are grateful to Senator Gianaris, Assemblymember Glick and Assemblymember Rosenthal for their leadership, and thank the Governor for renewing her longstanding commitment to protecting animals with these forward-thinking efforts.”
