N.Y. Agriculture & Markets Law § 428: Animal husbandry

§ 428. Animal husbandry. 1. (a) Each animal shelter shall provide each

animal under its care with fresh, potable water at all times unless

otherwise directed by a duly licensed veterinarian.

(b) Each animal shelter shall feed each animal under its care a

complete and nutritionally balanced, species-specific and

life-stage-appropriate diet as indicated by the animal's age, weight,

and medical health, or as directed by a duly licensed veterinarian in

accordance with the written protocols required by section four hundred

twenty-three of this article.

(c) Food shall be provided at least once daily for adult animals, at

least twice daily for animals less than six months of age, and at least

three times daily for animals less than two months of age.

(d) Perishable animal food shall be refrigerated.

(e) Animal food and water containers shall be present in sufficient

number and location to safely enable each animal in the enclosure to

access an adequate supply of food and water. Food and water bowls shall

be of the type that can be easily sanitized, be kept clean and shall be

cleaned and disinfected prior to use by a different animal, unless

disposable bowls are used and replaced between animals.

(f) Each animal shall be observed during or following each feeding

time to ensure daily food intake, or at least once every twenty-four

hours for animals continually offered food. Such observations shall be

recorded.

2. (a) Humane and safe physical restraint to limit some or all normal

voluntary movement of any animal in each animal shelter's care shall

minimize fear, pain, stress and suffering for the animal, protect both

the animal and personnel from harm, and be of the least intensity and

duration required to allow the specific procedure or procedures to be

performed properly.

(b) (i) Frightened or fractious animals may be appropriately

tranquilized, under the orders and supervision of a duly licensed

veterinarian, if they cannot be restrained safely and humanely.

(ii) No physical force shall be used as punishment or in anger.

(iii) Handling methods shall minimize the chance of escape and ensure

the safety of both humans and animals.

(c) Restraint devices and handling techniques employed by each animal

shelter shall be used in a manner that minimizes animal stress and risk

of injury to both animals and personnel, in the event such devices and

techniques are necessary for the safe handling of the animal.

(i) All equipment shall be maintained in good working order.

(ii) Cats shall not be restrained with control poles. Humane traps,

cat boxes, nets, towels, or other equipment appropriate for handling

fractious animals may be used. Squeeze cages, feral cat boxes, or humane

traps with dividers shall be used for restraining cats and administering

tranquilizers prior to handling.