Overview

• Lawmakers introduced the New York State Safe Pet Boarding Act and are now circulating it in both chambers to recruit co-sponsors ahead of the next legislative session.
• The proposal creates a state license for boarding facilities, authorizes random Agriculture & Markets inspections, and sets standards for space, ventilation, nutrition, water access, staff training, and vaccination records, plus a public annual report card.
• Clifton Park scheduled an October 6 public hearing to present new kennel oversight rules designed to protect pets without imposing onerous costs on compliant businesses, according to Town Supervisor Phil Barrett.
• Saratoga County has convened an Animal Abuse Task Force with representatives from the sheriff’s office, the Department of Social Services, and the district attorney’s office after an initial meeting.
• A string of deaths at boarding facilities, including Gus in Halfmoon, Diesel in Altamont, and 21 dogs in Argyle, prompted families and prosecutors to press for clear, uniform oversight.