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A 8462

Enacts "Penny's law" to create the offenses of negligent and reckless handling of a dog, codifies the requirement that dogs be restrained, and requires signs in parks that dogs must be restrained

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Angelino and 6 co-sponsors

A.8462 makes negligent or reckless dog handling a crime, requires dogs to be restrained, and mandates park signs informing the public that dogs must be restrained.

PRINT NUMBER 8462B
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 8462

Summary — A.8462 ("Penny's Law")

Overview / Purpose

A.8462, titled "Penny's law," is a bill introduced in the New York State Assembly on May 16, 2025. Its stated intent is to strengthen legal responsibilities for people who handle dogs by (1) creating criminal offenses for negligent and reckless handling of a dog, (2) codifying a general requirement that dogs be restrained, and (3) requiring posting of signs in parks that dogs must be restrained. The bill is currently printed as A8462B and is before the Assembly Agriculture Committee.

Key provisions

  • Creates new offenses described as:
    • Negligent handling of a dog — establishes a criminal offense for failure to exercise the standard of care in handling a dog (as defined by the bill).
    • Reckless handling of a dog — establishes a criminal offense for conduct showing a conscious disregard of a substantial risk in handling a dog. (The bill text provides statutory language defining the conduct and mental states for each offense.)
  • Codifies a requirement that dogs must be restrained. The bill makes the duty to keep a dog under restraint an express statutory obligation (applicable locations and any exceptions would be outlined in the bill text).
  • Requires signage in parks: public parks (state, county, municipal or otherwise identified) must display signs notifying the public that dogs are required to be restrained. The bill likely specifies who is responsible for posting signs and basic sign content/placement rules.
  • Enforcement and remedies: the bill establishes these as enforceable offenses (criminal and/or administrative enforcement is created or authorized); the bill text would contain penalty structure, enforcement authority (e.g., police, animal control), and any defenses or exceptions.

Who would be affected

  • Dog owners and handlers — primary subjects of the new restraint requirement and potential criminal liability for negligent or reckless handling.
  • Park authorities and local governments — responsible for posting required signage and enforcing restraint rules in parks.
  • Law enforcement, animal control officers, and courts — responsible for investigating, enforcing, and adjudicating alleged offenses.
  • The general public — potentially benefits from increased public safety and clearer notice of restraint requirements.

Procedural history & status

  • Introduced: May 16, 2025 (referred to the Assembly Agriculture Committee).
  • May 21, 2025: Printed as A8462A; amended and recommitted to Agriculture.
  • Sept 24, 2025: Printed as A8462B; amended (T) and recommitted to Agriculture. Current status: PRINT NUMBER 8462B (in committee).
  • Companion Senate bill: S.8293.

Sponsors

  • Primary sponsor: Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar
  • Cosponsors: Nikki Lucas, Karl Brabenec, Lester Chang, Joe Angelino, Harvey Epstein, Paula Kay

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Public safety and animal welfare: the bill aims to reduce risk of dog-related injuries by clarifying duties and adding criminal consequences for serious lapses.
  • Administrative burden and costs: municipalities/park authorities may incur costs to post required signage and to carry out enforcement.
  • Legal implications: adds criminal liability that may raise questions about statutory definitions (what constitutes “restraint,” permitted exceptions, and proof standards for negligent vs. reckless conduct).
  • Implementation details (penalties, definitions, enforcement mechanisms, and exceptions) are found in the bill text; these details will determine the practical effect and any civil/criminal implications.

For full statutory language, definitions, and penalty provisions, consult the printed bill text (A.8462B) and the companion Senate bill S.8293.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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