File #: Int 0785-2026    Version: * Name: Requiring each police precinct to train and designate at least one uniformed officer as an animal cruelty liaison.
Type: Introduction Status: Committee
Committee: Committee on Public Safety
On agenda: 3/26/2026
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring each police precinct to train and designate at least one uniformed officer as an animal cruelty liaison
Sponsors: Gale A. Brewer, Shahana K. Hanif
Council Member Sponsors: 2
Summary: This bill would require at least one animal cruelty liaison in each police precinct. These officers would be trained and designated to provide up-to-date knowledge on animal cruelty laws, dangerous animal procedures, animal welfare, and reporting requirements. They would help guide officers and members of the public on how to deal with animal-related issues and would help coordinate with other agencies on animal-related matters when necessary.
Attachments: 1. Summary of Int. No. 785, 2. Int. No. 785, 3. Memorandum in Support, 4. March 26, 2026 - Stated Meeting Agenda

Int. No. 785

 

By Council Members Brewer and Hanif

 

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring each police precinct to train and designate at least one uniformed officer as an animal cruelty liaison

 

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

 

Section 1. Chapter 1 of title 14 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new section 14-182.1 to read as follows:

§ 14-182.1 Animal cruelty liaisons. a. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:

Animal cruelty liaison. The term “animal cruelty liaison” means a member of the uniformed force of the department designated pursuant to subdivision b of this section and trained to provide guidance regarding animal-related laws, enforcement procedures, reporting processes, and the proper handling and coordination of care for animals seized in connection with alleged violations of animal-related laws.

Animal-related laws. The term “animal-related law” means provisions of this code, the agriculture and markets law, the penal law, the public health law, the New York city health code, and any other law, rule, or regulation relating to animal cruelty, neglect, abandonment, dangerous animals, or animal welfare.

b. Designation. An animal cruelty liaison shall:

1. Serve as a resource to employees of the department within the precinct regarding animal-related laws, investigative considerations, and appropriate enforcement responses;

2. Provide guidance to members of the public who contact or appear at the precinct regarding animal cruelty complaints, animal neglect, dangerous animals, or other animal-related concerns, including information on applicable reporting mechanisms and relevant forms; and

3. Assist the department, as appropriate, in coordinating with other agencies, including but not limited to the department of health and mental hygiene and any contracted animal care and control provider, regarding animal-related matters.

d. Training. The commissioner shall develop and implement a course of training for animal cruelty liaisons. The content, duration, and format of such training shall be determined by the commissioner. Such training shall include, but need not be limited to:

1. Applicable state and local animal-related laws;

2. Proper documentation and complaint procedures;

3. Coordination with relevant agencies and service providers; and

4. Procedures for handling and safeguarding animals that are seized in connection with alleged violations of animal-related laws.

§ 2. This local law takes effect 180 days after it becomes law.

 

TIW

LS #20888

3/3/2026 1:49 PM