Tedisco/Rosenthal Bill to Reunite Lost Animals with their Loved Ones Signed Into Law By Governor

Albany, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) and State Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C,I,REF-Glenville) today announced that their bill, (A.1839-B/S.4570-A), to help reunite people with their lost cat or dog was signed into law by the Governor.

“Our pets are part of our family, and it’s heart-wrenching when one gets lost or goes missing,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “I am thrilled that our bill to help reunite lost pets with their caretakers will now become law.”

“Our companion animals are important parts of many of our families. That’s why it is so devastating when a pet goes missing.  This bipartisan law, which I worked on closely with Assemblymember Rosenthal, will help create standards for the use of microchip technology to reunite more lost pets with their families, ease over-crowding at our animal shelters and rescues and reduce unnecessary euthanasia of animals and some of the financial burden on those organizations. I want to thank the Governor for signing this bill into law so we can help more companion animals find their way home,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

This new law, which will take effect in 120 days, will require shelters, rescues and any other organizations that take in lost, stray or abandoned animals to check every animal for a microchip or other identifying mark and to make an attempt to notify the owner within 24 hours. The law will also standardize microchip scanner and chip technology across the state.

Microchip technology is not new, but without a universal frequency, scanners cannot read all chip frequencies. Standardizing chip and scanner frequencies will reduce confusion at the shelter and ensure that all chipped animals are properly scanned.  Along with standardization, requiring animals to be checked for microchips or other identifying marks within 24 hours will likely reduce the number of days that an animal is kept at a shelter and increase the likelihood that animals and their guardians are reunited.

This year, Asssemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Tedisco are co-sponsors of the annual NYS Animal Advocacy Day in Albany.

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal has two cats named Marlowe and Vita, and represents the 67th Assembly district, which includes the Upper West Side and parts of the Clinton/ Hell's Kitchen neighborhoods in Manhattan.

Senator Jim Tedisco has a dog named Gracie and two cats Glinda and Elphaba, and represents the 49^th state Senate District, which includes parts of Schenectady, Saratoga and Herkimer Counties and all of Fulton and Hamilton Counties.