New York Statewide Rule

New York Animal Cruelty Law Covers Hoarding Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across New York (2026)

Agriculture and Markets Law sections 353 and 353-a criminalize neglect and cruelty to animals, providing a uniform statewide basis for prosecuting animal hoarding cases.

Key Facts

Cruelty statute: Ag & Markets §353
Felony cruelty: §353-a Buster's Law
Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year
Forfeiture: Mandatory on conviction

Source: AGM Section 353 - Overdriving, torturing and injuring animals; failure to provide proper sustenance

Full Breakdown

Section 353 makes it a misdemeanor to overdrive, torture, deprive of necessary sustenance, or unjustifiably injure any animal. Section 353-a (Buster's Law) elevates aggravated cruelty to a class E felony. These provisions apply universally and permit law enforcement and humane societies to seize animals from hoarding situations regardless of municipal animal control rules. Courts may impose ownership bans following conviction.

Violations & Penalties

Hoarders face misdemeanor charges, fines up to 1,000 dollars, up to one year in jail, felony charges for aggravated cases, mandatory animal forfeiture, and bans on future ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is animal hoarding specifically a crime in New York?

Hoarding is prosecuted under the general animal cruelty and neglect statutes in Agriculture and Markets Law sections 353 and 353-a, which apply uniformly throughout New York State.

Who can seize hoarded animals?

Police, peace officers, and authorized humane society agents may seize animals being treated cruelly under section 373, subject to court review and impoundment procedures.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Is animal hoarding specifically a crime in New York?

Hoarding is prosecuted under the general animal cruelty and neglect statutes in Agriculture and Markets Law sections 353 and 353-a, which apply uniformly throughout New York State.

Who can seize hoarded animals?

Police, peace officers, and authorized humane society agents may seize animals being treated cruelly under section 373, subject to court review and impoundment procedures.