N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law § 383: Examination of seized animals or animals taken possession of

§ 383. Examination of seized animals or animals taken possession of.

1. Consistent with the provisions of section one hundred seventeen of

this chapter and sections three hundred seventy-three and three hundred

seventy-four of this article, no later than twenty-four hours, or as

soon as practicable, after a companion animal that is a dog or a cat has

been seized or taken possession of, except for such animals that have

been surrendered by the owner, by any dog control officer, animal

control officer or peace officer acting pursuant to his or her special

duties, or police officer in the employ of or under contract with a

municipality, or any duly incorporated society for the prevention of

cruelty to animals, duly incorporated humane society, pound or shelter

that is operated by or under contract to a municipality, such officer,

society, pound or shelter shall take steps to:

(a) Check such animal for all forms of identification, including, but

not limited to, tags, microchips, tattoos or licenses; and

(b) If practicable and if the necessary technology and equipment are

available, for the purposes of this paragraph, make available to the

public on the internet on a website or social media maintained by or

otherwise made available to such officer, society, pound or shelter by

the municipal or county government in which such officer, society, pound

or shelter is located, a photograph, and a general description of the

animal to assist the owner or owners in finding the animal, including

the breed or breeds, if known. Information about the animal may be

withheld if deemed appropriate to facilitate finding the owner or

otherwise protect the safety of the animal. The notice required by this

paragraph may be made by means other than the internet if use of the

internet is impracticable.

2. No later than twenty-four hours or as soon as practicable after the

seizure or taking possession of such animal potentially identifiable by

a form of identification, including a license, tag, tattoo or microchip,

or records or reports that are readily available of animals reported to

be lost, reasonable efforts shall be made to identify and provide actual

notice to the owner of the animal by any means reasonably calculated to

provide actual notice to the owner.