Prohibits ear clipping and tail docking of dogs unless deemed medically necessary to protect the life or health of the dog
This bill prohibits clipping dogs' ears or docking (cutting) their tails unless a licensed veterinarian deems it medically necessary to protect the dog's life or health. It directly affects dog owners, breeders, and veterinarians by requiring veterinary certification for these procedures and banning cosmetic alterations. Violations are misdemeanors: ear clipping without medical justification carries up to $1,000 fines, while tail docking for non-medical reasons incurs up to $500 fines. The law includes a grandfather clause allowing dogs already docked before 2026 to remain exempt.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2025
Last action Jan 7, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
upper
Jan 13, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO AGRICULTURE
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
NF
Nathalia Fernández
DDemocratic
Co
Mark Walczyk
RRepublican/Conservative
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about S 1802
Scope: NY
Hi! I can help you understand S 1802. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline