(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.
* NB Effective December 15, 2025
Structure New York Laws