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Bill

A 11094

Relates to companion animals

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica González-Rojas

Companion animals are formally recognized as sentient victims in cruelty crimes, ensuring they receive consideration and protection within the criminal justice system.

REFERRED TO CODES
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Bill Summary · A 11094

Summary of Bill A. 11094 (Session 2025-2026) – Relates to Companion Animals

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Bill: A. 11094
  • Introduced by: Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas
  • Committee: Codes
  • Effective date: Immediately upon enactment
  • Purpose: Elevate the status of companion animals as victims within the criminal justice framework and clarify their protection under cruelty laws.

Main purpose and intent

The bill formally recognizes companion animals (including dogs, cats, and other animals defined in the Agriculture and Markets Law) as sentient beings and as victims of animal cruelty crimes. It seeks to ensure that companion animals are treated with appropriate consideration in legal proceedings, reflecting their capacity to experience pain, stress, fear, love, and affection, and to promote their welfare.

Key provisions

Article 243 – Companion Animals

  • § 243.00 – Companion animals are sentient beings
    1. Establishes that companion animals are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, fear, love, and affection.
    2. Declares that companion animals are entitled to respect, consideration, protection from abuse/neglect/cruelty, and the maximization of their welfare.
    3. Explicitly designates companion animals as victims of animal cruelty crimes, including but not limited to offenses defined in Article 26 of the Agriculture and Markets Law.
  • § 243.00(2) – Clarification of scope
    • States that nothing in this section reduces protections afforded to any animal under existing law or regulations, including Article 26 of the Agriculture and Markets Law.

Affected parties and scope

  • Companion animals: Dogs, cats, and other animals covered by the Agriculture and Markets Law, explicitly recognized as victims in cruelty crimes.
  • Criminal justice system: Courts and prosecutors would treat companion animals as victims in relevant cruelty offenses, potentially influencing charging, sentencing, and victim-related procedures.
  • Animal welfare protections: Maintains compatibility with existing laws; does not diminish current protections but augments recognition of animals’ status in court.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Immediate; the act takes effect as soon as enacted.
  • Legal effect: Adds a new statutory framework (Article 243) to the Penal Law, creating a formal designation of companion animals as victims of cruelty crimes.

Practical implications

  • May influence how cruelty cases are prosecuted and argued in court, including the interpretation of cruelty, handling of evidence, and consideration of animal welfare in sentencing.
  • Reinforces public policy recognizing the sentience of companion animals and the seriousness of cruelty offenses.
  • Could impact victim impact statements, restitution considerations, and the prioritization of animal welfare in criminal justice outcomes.

Additional notes

  • The bill is currently proposed and referred to the Codes Committee. It includes a co-sponsor: Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.
  • No explicit monetary penalties or new funding mechanisms are described in the text provided; the focus is on the legal status and recognition of companion animals as victims in cruelty crimes.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current New York cruelty statutes or provide a plain-language FAQ for readers.

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

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