Capitol Confidential- Pet Care Instruction bill passes in Senate

No legislative session would be complete without at least one flora or fauna bill such as naming a state reptile or flea or creeping vine.

In that vein, we bring you the Pet Care Instruction bill proposed by Democratic Sen. Tony Avella, who is something of an animal rights champion.

The measure would mandate that pet stores instruct new pet owners on the ins and outs of their care, such as the special dietary needs of guinea pigs and the maladies that can afflict juvenile hamsters.

Avella has a long history of animal activism, sponsoring bills that address cow safety on large farms, pet pigs and protesting an Orleans County squirrel hunting contest.

Here is the scoop on the pet bill:

Today, State Senator Tony Avella announced that his Pet Care Instruction bill to require pet dealers to provide instructions on the care of small animals has passed the Senate. The bill would ensure that when new pet owners purchase a small animal from a pet store or pet dealer, they also receive detailed instructions on proper care.

When purchasing a small animal as a pet, many new owners are not aware of the full extent of associated responsibilities. Small animals have varied nutritional and physical needs, which may be unfamiliar to a new owner. While guinea pigs and rabbits have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts that require special attention be paid to feeding and nutrition, hamsters are prone to ‘wet tail’ disease at a young age.

Senator Avella’s legislation ensures that recently purchased small animals receive the proper nutrition and healthcare they need. By providing them with detailed instructions, new pet owners will be armed with everything they need to care for their new animal.

“These pets may be small, but their care is hugely important. I am proud to announce that my bill to provide new pet owners of small animals with instructions on proper pet care, has passed the Senate. The Pet Care Instruction bill will ensure that our family’s smallest additions can stay fit and healthy, and I look forward to working with the Assembly and the Governor’s office to make sure this bill becomes law,” said Senator Tony Avella.

The bill specifies that pet care instructions will be obtained from a veterinarian or veterinarian organization.

“Friends of Animals is thrilled that the Pet Care Instruction bill has passed the NY Legislature. We applaud Senator Avella for this effort to educate new pet owners about responsible care and management of the animals they bring into their families. Becoming a pet owner is a lifelong commitment that requires the proper information and education on each species and how best to care for them. Making this important information immediately accessible to pet owners is crucial in helping educate the public on the best practices for caring for each animal they bring into their home, and we strongly urge Gov Cuomo to past his bill into law,” said Edita Birnkrant, Campaigns Director for Friends of Animals.

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