File #: Res 0388-2026    Version: * Name: Recognizing animals as sentient beings statewide and establishing that animals can be victims of a crime (A. 10).
Type: Resolution Status: Committee
Committee: Committee on Health
On agenda: 3/26/2026
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution recognizing animals as sentient beings and calling on the New York State Assembly to pass, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass companion legislation, and the Governor to sign, A.107, recognizing animals as sentient beings statewide and establishing that animals can be victims of a crime
Sponsors: Gale A. Brewer
Council Member Sponsors: 1
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 388, 2. Memorandum in Support, 3. March 26, 2026 - Stated Meeting Agenda

Res. No. 388

 

Resolution recognizing animals as sentient beings and calling on the New York State Assembly to pass, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass companion legislation, and the Governor to sign, A.107, recognizing animals as sentient beings statewide and establishing that animals can be victims of a crime

 

By Council Member Brewer

 

Whereas, The term “animal” refers to any non-human living member of the biological kingdom Animalia; and

Whereas, According to the Humane League, “sentient” means the ability to have feelings, or the capacity for a creature to experiences sensations and emotions; and

Whereas, According to the Humane League, species like dogs, cats, and chimpanzees experience many of the same feelings that humans do; and

Whereas, Despite previous legislation passed by New York State which seeks to protect animals, animals are still considered property under New York State law, according to the Animal Legal Defense Fund; and

Whereas, the European Union recognizes animals as sentient beings in Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty; and

Whereas, In 2013, Oregon passed ORS 167.305, which recognized that animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and fear, and that animals should be cared for in ways that minimize pain, stress, fear, and suffering; and

Whereas, Numerous countries and polities around the world also recognize animals as sentient beings, according to World Animal Protection, including, but not limited to, the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, the Canadian province of Quebec, and  Peru; and

Whereas, Assembly Member Linda B. Rosenthal introduced A.107 to the New York State Assembly to amend the agriculture and markets law so that animals could be elevated to the status of sentient beings under the law;

Whereas, This legislation will allow the State of New York to join Oregon and the many countries and regions around the world who treat animals with the care, respect, and dignity they deserve; and

Whereas, the City of New York should be an example of compassion and follow the lead of other governments in acknowledging the sentience and inherent worth of all animals; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes animals as sentient beings and calls on the New York State Assembly to pass, the New York State Senate to introduce and pass companion legislation, and the Governor to sign, A.107, recognizing animals as sentient beings statewide and establishing that animals can be victims of a crime.

LS 19677, 19696

12/5/2025