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Bill

A 186

Prohibits tail docking of cattle

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Benedetto and 4 co-sponsors

New York would ban tail docking of cattle, making the practice illegal and protecting welfare on dairy and beef farms, veterinarians, and handlers.

REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
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Bill Summary · A 186

Bill A 186 — Prohibits tail docking of cattle

Overview

Bill A 186 is a New York Assembly measure introduced on January 8, 2025 and currently referred to the Agriculture Committee. The primary sponsor is Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, with several cosponsors. The bill is part of a set of related bills from prior sessions addressing tail docking in cattle.

Purpose and intent

  • The core purpose of A 186 is to prohibit the practice of tail docking in cattle. Tail docking involves surgically removing part of a cow’s tail, a procedure often discussed in the context of animal welfare and management. The bill seeks to ban this practice within the state.

Key provisions (as proposed)

  • Prohibition: The bill would make tail docking of cattle illegal within the state.
  • Definitions and standards: The text that accompanies the bill would normally define terms (e.g., what constitutes “tail docking” and which animals are covered) and specify what constitutes compliance or violation. The provided information does not include those definitions or any exemptions.
  • Enforcement, penalties, and exemptions: Details on how the ban would be enforced, what penalties would apply for violations, and whether any exemptions would exist are not provided in the available information. Such provisions would appear in the bill’s full text.

Who would be affected

  • Cattle producers and farm operations that rear or manage cattle (both dairy and beef sectors) would need to comply with the prohibition.
  • Veterinarians and livestock handlers involved in cattle care and management.
  • Animal welfare advocates and organizations focused on humane treatment of livestock.
  • State agricultural and public health or regulatory agencies tasked with enforcement (as determined by the final statute).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025.
  • Status: REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE (the bill is in committee for consideration, likely awaiting hearings or further action).
  • There is no additional action listed in the provided information beyond the initial referral.
  • Effective date, potential sunset provisions, or phased implementation are not specified in the information given.

Sponsors and related bills

  • Primary sponsor: Linda Rosenthal.
  • Cosponsors: Dana Levenberg, Phil Steck, Michael Benedetto, Jeffrey Dinowitz.
  • Related bills from prior sessions: A 925, A 1076, A 1893, A 9732, A 4949, A 963, A 282, and A 64. The presence of multiple related bills suggests a continuing legislative interest in prohibiting tail docking of cattle.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential fiscal or administrative impacts once the full text is available, or compare A 186 with the related prior-session bills to identify alignment or changes.

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

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